Haiti - Social : UNICEF congratulates and encourages the Haitian State for its determination

The

Week of the Child ended on an encouraging note for the rights of children in

Haiti. UNICEF welcomes : the presidential pardon to eighteen children in

detention ; the ratification by the Parliament of the Hague Convention of 1993

on international adoption ; the launch of the first book of children's homes as

well as the put into operation of wo freephone numbers for children at risk (511

and 133).

The presidential pardon granted to eighteen children in

detention is an important step in the field of juvenile justice, says the UNICEF

office in Haiti who wishes that the State promotes alternatives to juvenile

detention. Currently, 245 children are still detained in Haiti, or convicted,

for the most part, awaiting trial.

"No minor child shall be detained on

the eve of the 2015. The willingness of Haitian President and the act he has

just placed with a presidential pardon demonstrate his determination to respect

the rights of children," declared Ms. Françoise Gruloos-Ackermans, UNICEF

Representative in Haiti.

UNICEF also welcomes the ratification by the

Haitian Parliament of The Hague Convention of 1993 on the Protection of Children

and Cooperation in International Adoption. This Convention, already ratified by

80 countries, helps to ensure a set of mechanisms indispensable for the proper

functioning of international adoption. Haiti signed the Convention March 2,

2011, it remained to parliament to ratify it, which was made June 11,

2012.

"This is a historic moment for the country. Haitian law is thus

harmonized with international standards contained in the Hague Convention. Haiti

needs the support of other signatory countries to develop a system that meets

international standards according to the principle of reciprocity (Article 39 of

the Convention)," stressed the UNICEF Representative.

Publication of the

first book of children's homes presented by the Institute of Welfare and

Research (IBESR) puts, finally, in application of Decree Law of 1971. Thus, 725

children's homes are now listed. 372 of them were evaluated according to the

minimum standards. But only 9% (67) of these children's homes are accredited.

The database has recorded more than 15,000 children, assures them an early

protection and gives them recognition and to their families. "A child is not

born to live in institutions but in his family. If the institution is the

ultimate solution, this place must be protective and the State must take the

responsibility," reiterated the UNICEF Representative in Haiti.

HL/

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