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NCHR lends a hand to Bush's "human rights" Tour on Haiti

"To maintain our independence we do not accept U.S. government funds." - Grassroots International

by the Haiti Information Project (HIP)

Grass Roots international (GI), which describes itself as a progressive funding network, relies heavily upon information provided by National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) about the situation in Haiti. Indeed, a quick browse through GI's online journal proudly exhibits articles recently written by NCHR staff members such as Vilès Alizar. On GI's website they state, "To maintain our independence we do not accept U.S. government funds." Unfortunately the same cannot be said of GI's primary source for information related to the human rights situation in Haiti.

NCHR along with several other Haitian organizations and individuals compromised their integrity when they accepted an all expenses paid "tour" footed by the Bush administration and the U.S. State Department. The tour took place from August 11 through August 22, 2003 and according to those "visited" its main theme was to preach about the evils of democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the Lalavas party. Their itinerary included alternative media personalities and "progressive" organizations. All one has to do is make a cursory web search on the individuals and organizations listed here to get an idea of the "balanced" point of view Colin Powell's State department was presenting of the reality in Haiti.

While GI may see the importance of maintaining independence from the U.S. government, it's clear their major source for human rights information on Haiti, namely NCHR, does not.

These official State Department documents speak for themselves.

See also:

The Double Standard of NCHR

Haiti Human Rights Office Attacked Attack follows expose of his work on HAC Website

"Propaganda War Intensifies Against Haiti As Opposition Grabs for Power" by Kevin Pina

Haïti Progres - The Victims of the Haitian "Contras" Testify - Aug 4-10 2004

Prime Minister Yvon Neptune says he is a political prisoner as a result of false accusations made by NCHR.
- AHP News - Aug 24

The Politics of Injustice in Haiti: The Cases of Auguste and Chamblain, Two Sides of the Same Coin - While covicted death squad leader Jodel Chamblain gets an acquittal in a sham trial. Lavalas activist Annette August So Anne is still in prison as a result of false charges started by NCHR. Help with the release of So Anne and her music.