Linked with Thierry Fagart – Haiti & France, with HURAH INC. Human Rights Accompaniment In Haiti, with The economic development program for Haiti, and with Shocking Lancet Study about Haiti.
The Institute: To work with the people of Haiti in their non-violent struggle for the return and consolidation of constitutional democracy, justice and human rights, by distributing objective and accurate information on human rights conditions in Haiti, pursuing legal cases, and cooperating with human rights and solidarity groups in Haiti and abroad. IJDH draws on its founders’ internationally-acclaimed success accompanying Haiti’s poor majority in the fields of law, medicine and social justice activism.
UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), PHONE: 011.509.244.9650.9660, FAX: 011.509.244.9366/67, Or, Fax, Office of General Secretary (New York) – 212.963.4879.And UNHCHR Field Offices Contacts.
We seek the restoration of the rule of law and democracy in the short term, and work for the long-term sustainable change neccesary to avert Haiti’s next crisis.
1. Working With Grassroots Organizations to Promote Human Rights In Haiti IJDH works with grassroots groups in Haiti to help develop an effective human rights advocacy program with global outreach. In the U.S., IJDH collaborates with grassroots organizations, including faith-based, solidarity, development, and humanitarian organizations to coordinate advocacy on human rights in Haiti, and networks with solidarity and Haitian Diaspora activists throughout the world. Our work seeks to change the international environment that allows such massive disrespect for social, economic, civil and political rights to flourish.
2. Human Rights Documentation/ Disseminating Accurate Information The Institute gathers information on human rights violations in Haiti, and relays it to the international human rights community, media and grassroots groups.We work closely with others investigating human rights in Haiti, and provide training and analysis to individuals and organizations interested in Haiti, including visiting delegations. Our long collaboration with Haitian grassroots groups and our legal experience in Haiti allows us to provide consistent, credible information and analysis. Our documentation is routinely used by advocates and decision makers, and we are often cited in the press. Shining a sharp spotlight on human rights abusers and their foreign support provides protection to potential victims and empowers pro-democracy advocates in Haiti.
3. Pursuing Legal Claims in Haiti and Abroad IJDH helps victims of human rights violations pursue cases in national and international courts. In Haiti, IJDH lawyers represent political prisoners and persecuted journalists, and document cases of murder, torture and destruction of property. Outside Haiti we help prepare cases for international courts and assist in civil litigation in the U.S. This work aims to stop current human rights violations, deter future human rights violations and obtain compensation for victims of past violations.
IJDH Board of Directors/Staff
Brian Concannon Jr., Esq., IJDH’s Director, and co-manager of the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) in Haiti since 1996. The BAI spearheaded prosecution of human rights cases, most notably the Raboteau Massacre case, one of the hemisphere’s most significant human rights prosecutions.
Paul Farmer, M.D. PhD, Founder, Partners in Health (PIH) and Professor, Harvard Medical School. PIH has treated sick Haitians with dignity and success since 1984, and changed the way the world treats infectious diseases among the poor.
Laura Flynn, is a writer and activist. She founded the Bay Area Haiti Action Committee, and is the former director of international relations for the Aristide Foundation for Democracy in Haiti.
Ira J. Kurzban, Esq., one of America’s pre-eminent refugee lawyers. For over 27 years, he has represented Haitian Refugees, the Haitian Refugee Center in Miami, the constitutional and democratically elected governments of Haiti and Presidents Rene Preval and Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Judy Prosper, Esq., a Haitian-American attorney and advocate for justice for the disenfranchised both in the U.S. and Haiti.
Bryan Stevenson, Esq., founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama, a tireless and successful advocate for death-row inmates. His work has been honored by the American Bar Association, the ACLU and the MacArthur Foundation.
Irwin Stotzky, Esq., Professor of Law, University of Miami, Director of the Center for the Study of Human Rights.