Background

Protecting human rights continues to be a key element of USAID's new strategy. This newly-revised USAID/Haiti program has two components: the first to combat torture and organized violence, and the second to prevent trafficking in persons, especially children. In implementing this strategy, USAID/Haiti will build upon past program successes. USAID/Haiti's previous program for Victims of Organized Violence (VOV) and Trafficking-In Persons (TIP) started in 2003 and ended in 2007. A new activity will end in 2010.

Activities

• Improve the capacity of both GOH institutions and NGOs to provide treatment to heal all those affected by torture, organized violence and trafficking, as well as protect individuals from future abuses.
• Provide direct services, including rescue, shelter, rehabilitation and counsel to restore the well-being of victims which will impact not only on individual victims but also on families and communities.
• Coordinated efforts between civil society and human rights organizations to seek sustainable changes through advocacy for national legislation and ratifying of international instruments that uphold human rights.

USAID support

On May 30, 2007, USAID formally awarded the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) $6.4 million to implement an innovative program to Protect Human Rights in Haiti (PHRP). The program supports the Government of Haiti with training and technical assistance to Ministries and public agencies responsible for protective services; it will also work with local government officials and institutions.

Implementer

Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is the implementing partner.

 

Objective

Strengthen democracy and stability in Haiti through a three-year program that combats human trafficking, acts of torture and organized violence, especially targeting women, children and youth.

 

Targets

In FY 2008, the project seeks to create or modify 8 curricula to include focus on human rights; provide support to 130 NGOs; support 10 public advocacy campaigns on human rights; support 1 national human rights commission/independent state; train 500 people on TIP related issues; complete 3 anti-TIP public awareness campaigns; establish 4 shelters/safe houses for TIP victims; assist 1000 TIP victims; and rescue 175 TIP victims.

 

Anticipated Results over Life of Program

• Improved strategy for treatment of victims, leading to the healing and restored well being of persons and communities affected by torture and/or organized violence.
• Improve quality of treatment interventions for torture and/or organized violence-affected individuals and communities.
• Improved access to services that treat, heal and improve the well being of torture and/or organized violence that affects individuals and communities.
• GOH protection against trafficking is facilitated, legislated and enforced.
• Improved access to services that treat and rehabilitate Haitian victims of trafficking.