Patrick Elie, a Haiti-based political rights activist and former Minister of the first government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide (1991-96), spoke in 18 cities across Canada in February and March. This is his talk from Fredericton, NB on March 10.
recorded by pierre loiselle
The purpose of Elie's speaking tour was to give a voice to those demanding an end to the illegal invasion and occupation of Haiti in 2004 and ongoing human rights violations committed by a United Nations-sponsored occupation force and the foreign-trained and armed Haitian National Police.
Since February 2004, the social and human rights situation in Haiti has been disastrous. A series of high-profile reports and commentaries, including from the United Nations own spokespeople for human rights, indicate that conditions in Haiti are "catastrophic" (UN official) and getting worse. Canada is a major player in the coup and its aftermath.
For more information, check out:
http://www.canadahaitiaction.ca/
http://www.outofhaiti.ca/
