Haiti: National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (Coopération nationale pour la défense des droits humains, COONADH) political group, including its objectives, structure, program and current leaders; its relationship with the Fanmi Lavalas party and those close to Aristide; treatment of its members (2007-November 2016)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Publication Date | 18 November 2016 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | HTI105683.FE |
| Related Document(s) | Haïti : information sur le regroupement politique Coopération nationale pour la défense des droits humains (COONADH), y compris sur ses objectifs, sa structure, son programme et ses dirigeants actuels; information sur sa relation avec le parti Fanmi Lavalas et les proches d'Aristide; le traitement réservé à ses membres (2007-novembre 2016) |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Haiti: National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (Coopération nationale pour la défense des droits humains, COONADH) political group, including its objectives, structure, program and current leaders; its relationship with the Fanmi Lavalas party and those close to Aristide; treatment of its members (2007-November 2016), 18 November 2016, HTI105683.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59844b1d4.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa
Information on the COONADH was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.
The group is mentioned in an article dated December 12, 2006, by AlterPresse, an alternative Haitian information network, in which Junior Alténor, a participant in a demonstration against the violence and kidnappings in Port-au-Prince, is described as the [translation] "spokesperson for the National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (COONADH), a new organization promoting human rights" (AlterPresse 12 Dec. 2006). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.
The Haitian general-interest television channel Radio Tele Ginen also features this group in a Haitian Creole video, published on April 23, 2014, entitled Relaunch of COONADH, a National Organization for the Defense of Human Rights (Relansman COONADH ki se Oganizasyon nasyonal defans ak dwa moun) (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). In the video, Hilma Mathurin, a COONADH coordinator, mentioned that this group was established on April 7, 2006, with the objective of advocating for human rights; that it defends all people without exception, especially those who cannot defend themselves; and that the organization works in prisons, hospitals, etc. (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). The coordinator concluded by stating that the COONADH was re-launched that day (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
AlterPresse. 12 December 2006. "Haiti : un sit-in pour dénoncer l'insécurité et réclamer des actions concrètes du gouvernement." [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]
Radio Tele Ginen (RTG). 23 April 2014. "Relansman COONADH se oganizasyon nasyonal defans ak dwa moun." (Relance de COONADH, une organisation nationale de défense des droits de la personne). [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]
Additional Sources Consulted
Oral sources: Centre oecuménique des droits de l'homme; director, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti; director, Réseau national de défense des droits humains; human rights advocate, Collectif Défenseurs Plus; lawyer, Bureau des avocats internationaux; lawyer, Bureau des avocats internationaux, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti; program manager assistant, Réseau national de défense des droits humains; protection officer, Front Line Defenders.
Internet sources, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Factiva; Fédération internationale des ligues de droits de l'homme; Freedom House; Haïti Libre; Haiti Press Network; Human Rights Watch, infohaiti.net; International Crisis Group; IRIN; Le Nouvelliste; Radio Métropole; UN - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Refworld, ReliefWeb; United States - Department of State.
