Project profile — Strengthening Rule of Law in Haiti - Phase II

This project aims to strengthen the Haitian policing, judicial and corrections institutions to ensure human rights, safety, security and access to justice for all Haitians. It builds upon the achievements and lessons learned of the previous phase and focuses on longer-term institution and capacity building development support. Important steps have been taken to strengthen the rule of law in Haiti. Since 2004, the Haitian National Police has made important gains in terms of strength and capability. Nonetheless, the stability of the country remains precarious, with the Government under considerable pressure to address an array of urgent challenges in the political, rule of law, human rights, gender equality, socioeconomic, humanitarian and food security realm. Project activities include: (1) deployment of technical level advisors to support the Government at the strategic planning levels in police, justice and corrections; and (2) supporting capacity building in the human rights institutions.

The expected outcome of the project is: to contribute to the public institutions and civil society improving the rule of law, the decentralization for good governance and decision-making at all levels in Haiti.

Results achieved at the end of the project (December 2021) include: (1) improved infrastructure for the Haitian National Police (HNP) through the construction of 2 magistrates’ courts; (2) strengthened operational capacities of specialized HNP units through the training of 700 police officers and the provision of specialized equipment; (3) strengthened capacities of the HNP Inspectorate General through the training of 218 officers; (4) supported improved strategic planning of the HNP through the training of 75 staff members; (5) strengthened the capacity of the HNP to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence by training 200 police officers; (6) strengthened the capacity of the HNP to care for minors by providing institutional and technical support to the Brigade for the Protection of Minors; (7) strengthened the capacity of the Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes to enable it to perform its functions in an accountable, fair, and transparent manner; and (8) supported the establishment of the National Legal Aid Council and legal aid offices.