[News] Support the right of Haitians to demonstrate!

[News at freedomarchives.org]

URGENT ACTION ALERT:

Support the right of Haitians to demonstrate!

Democracy was taken away from Haitians on February 29th when their 
democratically elected leader, Jean Bertrand Aristide was forcibly removed 
from office by United States officials in a US supported coup d’etat.

However, the Haitian people continue to demand a return to democracy. This 
week marks the beginning of several important demonstrations in Haiti and 
in support of Haiti.

August 14 marks the historical day in 1791 that began the Haitian 
Revolution against the French. Normally, this day is a day of celebration 
in Haiti.  However, this year once again, it has become a day to remember 
that Haitian freedom is once again at stake.

This week, in the North of Haiti – in Cap-Haitian and the town of Milot- 
demonstrators will be leading a “Caravan of Justice” in which people will 
place candles at sites of military attacks and human rights violations 
committed by anti-Aristide forces supporting the coup government of Gerard 
Latortue. This cycle of protest will conclude with non-violent marches in 
both Cap-Haitian and Port-au-Prince on August 14.

Not only are people around the world supporting this movement; there are 
also delegations of international human rights observers on the ground in 
Haiti to monitor the demonstrations all this week.  They will be there to 
help insure that the people of Haiti are able to exercise their democratic 
right to speak out and protest. They will be our eyes and ears in Haiti; 
it’s up to us at home to pour the pressure on officials in Haiti and our 
own government in Washington.

Support these peaceful protests and the right of the Haitian people to 
speak out against injustice. Send a strong message to the UN Peacekeeping 
forces and the US Embassy in Haiti that violence against these 
demonstrators will not be tolerated and that we are all watching.




WHAT TO DO:

FAX OR CALL Ambassador James Foley and UN Officials in
Haiti!

Demand that Haitians are protected in their right to
demonstrate in Milot, Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince!


U.S. Ambassador to Haiti: James B. Foley
PHONE: 011.222.0200 OR 011.222.0354
FAX: 011.509.223-9038 OR 011.509.223.1641

UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
PHONE: 011.509.244.9650.9660
FAX:      011.509.244.9366/67

** Kofi Annan's Special UN Envoy to Haiti: Mr. Juan
Gabriel Valdes
** UN Military Commander in Haiti: Lt. General Augusto
Heleno Ribeiro Pereira
** UN Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti: Mahamane
Cisse-Gouro

Please Fax the MINUSTAH office Attention to the 3
listed above.  Better yet, send 3 separate letters
addressing them individually.

For More Information:

Contact Haiti Action http://www.haitiaction.net or
Global Exchange
http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/haiti/index.html


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(415) 863-9977
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