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Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), 892 Plain Street, Suite 1, Marshfield, MA (2026)

03/30/2026

Please join us for a Virtual Program & Politics Briefing on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST with the leaders of our sister organization, Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI

Leadership Council members Mèt Kattia Dorestant Lefruy, Mèt Gesnel Pierre, and Mèt Chadony Canon will speak about the complex and challenging political context in Haiti. They will share how the BAI is navigating these barriers and continuing to advance justice, democracy, and Haitian human rights. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sCDCC-vYRme0X13n3Fud5Q

03/27/2026

Today, all of us at the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) and Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI are remembering Mario Joseph on the anniversary of his passing. Mario was the managing attorney of the BAI and “Haiti’s most prominent human rights lawyer,” according to the New York Times. He is also remembered to us as a friend, teacher, and father. The team at the BAI who Mario trained continues to be determined to carry his legacy forward, and a year later, they are doing just that. Please see here for a letter of reflection from Mario's daughter, Rose: https://www.ijdh.org/2026/03/projects/reflection-from-rose-joseph-mario-josephs-daughter-for-the-anniversary-of-his-passing/

03/13/2026

Out today, IJDH’s latest update on and in covers key developments for July 2025 - February 2026 (IJDH’s previous Updates are available on our website under “Publications”).

This reporting period saw continued territorial consolidation and pervasive violence by armed groups in Haiti; unremitting government dysfunction accompanied by dubious foreign engagement; and further deterioration of the already-devastating human rights and humanitarian situation.

Reflective of this dynamic, both the transitional government established under the April 3, 2024 Accord and the Multinational Security Support Mission ended their mandates after failing to restore security, rebuild government institutions, or create conditions for credible elections. They have been replaced by a new transitional government that consolidates power in the sitting transitional PM, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, and a UN-authorized Gang Suppression Force that remains underfunded, minimally deployed, and without clear operating procedures. Neither appears well set up to transform the dynamics underlying the failures of their predecessors, which include entrenched corruption, an international preference for short-term militarized solutions at the expense of humanitarian support, and a continued willingness to marginalize Haitian civil society. Instead, they threaten to exacerbate the underlying drivers of social instability and seem to reflect a broader shift away from international commitments to human rights and Haitian sovereignty.

In what has become an increasingly militarized response to Haiti’s complex crisis, the Haitian government has increased its reliance on non-state actors - including private military contractors, who are linked to increased use of drones and mounting civilian casualties, and local “defense” groups, who are increasingly committing human rights violations. This abdication and diffusion of authority over the legitimate use of force also undercuts government credibility, increases opportunities for corruption and government abuse, and impedes Haiti’s prospects for peace and community reconciliation. Measures and planning for age-appropriate security responses and community reintegration are inadequate, especially given the ever-growing number of children recruited by armed groups.

This latest IJDH Update covers these ongoing violations of the right to life and security of the person; government misconduct, including institutionalized violence and corruption; chronic impunity caused by a dysfunctional judicial system; further marginalization of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls; the challenging social and economic landscape; and difficulties faced by Haitian migrants. Historic and ongoing failures by the international community to respect the human rights of Haitians and interference in Haitian affairs are core drivers of these challenges.

Read our full update now: https://bit.ly/4dkfues

Sasha Filippova Brian Concannon

03/09/2026

As we mark International Women's Day, Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti and the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI stand with the women of Haiti — accompanying their work and their fight toward a future where they are full participants in the decisions shaping their country and free from violence.

We are proud to keep building on a long history of solidarity with Haitian women and girls, whether it’s founding the R**e Accountability and Prevention Project (RAPP), which has for 16 years helped survivors of sexual violence seek justice, or working with Haitian civil society to launch the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition, which provides a blueprint for securing full rights and protections for women and girls in Haiti’s present crisis and transition. Our advocacy is helping to build a movement and most recently recruited members of the U.S. Congress to introduce a bicameral Resolution in solidarity with Haitian women and girls.

Join us! Learn more about the movement for women’s rights in Haiti at two parallel events that we are co-sponsoring at the UN Commission on the Status of Women period of sessions (CSW70) next week.

No Future Without Women: Justice, Peace, and Elections in Haiti In-person in New York City | March 16, 2:30–4 p.m. ET | RSVP: https://forms.gle/Jv3N5PU7uUoPkN626

Protection, Justice, Power: Haitian Women Leading the Fight against Gender-Based Violence Virtual (and in-person in Port-au-Prince) | March 19, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. ET | RSVP: https://forms.gle/fxFdZRQ2QXV4ojfw6

Haiti's future cannot be built without its women. Thank you for being part of the solidarity movement to make that a reality. And happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women and girls reading this post!

02/25/2026

The Haitian Women's Collective, NÈGÈS MAWON, and IJDH/Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI are co-sponsoring two critical events focused on the rights of Haitian women and girls at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Period of sessions this year. View the information for the March 16th event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dc4dCwiND/

The second is a Virtual Parallel Event on March 19, 10:30-12 p.m. Eastern/Haiti Time titled "Protection, Justice, Power: Haitian Women Leading the Fight against Gender-Based Violence." Join VIRTUALLY for a powerful and timely conversation among some of Haiti’s leading grassroots organizers and advocates for survivors of sexual violence based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Panelists Abigail Derolian, Marie Kattia Dorestant Lefruy, Rosy Auguste Ducéna, Nancy Vilcè, and moderator Ruth Magdala Marcelin will share their experiences and discuss survivors’ needs; barriers to safety, justice, and essential care; and strategies for meaningful change on the ground.

RSVP here to let us know if you can make it or sign up to get a recording: https://forms.gle/M6zi5DgzzXGakw9Q8

This event can be attended in person for those in Port-au-Prince. Both virtual and in-person attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly through a moderated Q&A session.

02/25/2026

The Haitian Women's Collective, NÈGÈS MAWON, and IJDH/Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI are co-sponsoring two critical events focused on the rights of Haitian women and girls at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Period of sessions this year.

The first will be an In-Person Parallel Event in NYC on March 16, 2:30-4 p.m. Eastern/Haiti Time titled "No Future Without Women: Justice, Peace, and Elections in Haiti," Join leading voices from Haiti’s women’s rights movement to examine the indispensable role of women and girls in shaping Haiti’s path out of its current crisis and its future. Panelists Angie Bell, Tonni Ann Brodber, Monique Clesca, Pascale Solages, and moderator MarieYolaine Toms will discuss strategies to advance women’s rights, tackle gender-based violence, and strengthen justice and security - including how to ensure women are equal participants in Haiti’s overdue elections scheduled for this year.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/LKXSjCgTx6Dv7w139 & view the info for the March 19 virtual/Haiti parallel event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DpkVxqawK/

02/18/2026

IJDH Senior Staff Attorney Sasha Filippova was recently featured in Climate, Gendered News and “Rule of Law Defenders” Podcast. In the article, she spoke about the scourge of gender-based violence terrorizing women and girls in Port-au-Prince, extreme weather events and how they interact with and exacerbate gendered inequality and violence, and the congressional and senatorial resolutions that call for action to address sexual violence and gender inequity in Haiti, The Resolution is a direct result from many years of concerted advocacy for Haiti’s women and girls and Haitian civil society that IJDH has led for many years. In the podcast, Sasha discusses her journey to human rights’ law, Haiti’s enduring struggle for justice, and the role that IJDH and Haiti-based sister organization Bureau Des Avocats Internationaux have played in that fight. We highly recommend them: it may just be the most interesting, hopeful, and impactful read or listen of your day!

Read the article here: bit.ly/4cGKgOe
Listen to the podcast here: bit.ly/4aUgyUK

Pictured: Sasha and collaborator Lucia Dominique Pascale Solages of NÈGÈS MAWON advocating for the rights of Haitian women and girls at Inter-American Commission on Human Rights office & United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Washington, DC and Geneva, Switzerland.

PS. If you are passionate about women's rights in Haiti, join us for two great events in March as part of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70): in New York City on March 16 and virtually (or in Port-au-Prince!) on March 19. Register here: bit.ly/4qNuRix & bit.ly/40hr9D7

02/05/2026

🚨Advocacy Update: IJDH is thrilled to report a further major update as a result of its advocacy, achieved together with its partners, including the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI, NÈGÈS MAWON, The Haitian Women's Collective, MADRE, and American Jewish World Service - AJWS.

Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have now taken action to support the rights of Haitian women and girls, and to stand in solidarity with Haitian civil society. The bodies of Haitian women and girls have become the battle grounds for Haiti’s complex crisis, even as they are marginalized in critical decisions regarding peacebuilding and governance for their country. A Resolution introduced on a bipartisan basis in the Senate (https://bit.ly/4r4s6dQ) today by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Sen. Jacky Rosen, and Senator Lisa Murkowski—and introduced on January 22 by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke with 47 co-sponsors in the House (https://bit.ly/3LQK5oR)—forcefully condemns this unlawful status quo and calls for urgent actions consistent with longstanding demands by Haitian civil society - including the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition (https://bit.ly/3NUTdsY) that IJDH helped develop and promote.

We continue to urge immediate actions corresponding with the bicameral Resolution, even as we call on Congress to fully adopt it.

Read the Resolution: https://bit.ly/4r4s6dQ

Read our press release: https://bit.ly/49zZx1J

Read the Senators’ press release on the Resolution: https://bit.ly/3Msb61Y

Read U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke’s press release on the Resolution: https://bit.ly/3MdcPrM

Read coverage of the Resolution in the Miami Herald, featuring IJDH’s Sasha Filippova, the BAI’s Me Kattia Dorestant-Lefruy, and other partners: https://bit.ly/3ZNzePE

01/23/2026

IJDH kontan anpil pou rapòte yon gwo siksè nan travay defans dwa moun, on travay ki reyalize ansanm ak patnè li yo jodi a, pami yo BAI, NÈGÈS MAWON, The Haitian Women’s Collective, MADRE, ak American Jewish World Service (AJWS). 48 manm Chanm Depite Etazini an leve kanpe pou soutni dwa fanm ak tifi ayisyèn yo epi pou montre solidarite yo ak sosyete sivil ayisyen an. Kò fanm ak tifi ayisyèn yo vin tounen chan batay nan kriz konplèks Ayiti ap travèse a, pandan y ap toujou mete yo sou kote nan desizyon enpòtan ki gen rapò ak konstriksyon lapè ak gouvènans peyi a. Depite Yvette D. Clarke ansanm ak 47 ko-sipòtè prezante yon Rezolisyon (https://bit.ly/45R03pC) ki kondane fòman sitiyasyon ilegal sa a epi ki mande aksyon ijan ki ann amoni ak demand sosyete sivil ayisyen an depi lontan — ladan l gen Kad Politik pou yon Tranzisyon Efikas ak Ekitab (https://bit.ly/3NUTdsY), ke IJDH te ede devlope epi fè pwomosyon.

Dapre Reprezantan k ap patwone Rezolisyon an, “[p]olitik, pwogram, ak alokasyon bidjè ki koresponn yo dwe aplike san pèdi tan” nan yon fason ki mete demand ak pèspektiv sosyete sivil ayisyen an nan sant lan — sitou òganizasyon feminis ak òganizasyon dwa fanm ayisyèn yo. Nou mande pou gen aksyon imedya ki mache ak sa yo, pandan n ap rele Kongrè a pou adopte Rezolisyon an nèt.

“Rezolisyon yo pwopoze a reprezante yon mezi ekstraòdinè,” se sa Alexandra (“Sasha”) Filippova nan IJDH deklare. “48 Manm Kongrè a ap di ke gouvènman Etazini, patnè entènasyonal Ayiti yo, ak gouvènman tranzisyon Ayiti a ap vyole dwa fanm yo, epi konsa y ap febli pwòp efò yo pou tabli lapè ak yon demokrasi ki estab ann Ayiti. Reprezantan yo tou mete apèl yo pou mezi imedya yo ann liy ak sa fanm ayisyèn k ap defann dwa fanm ak lòt lidè sosyete sivil yo ap mande — enkli sa prèske 200 òganizasyon te pwopoze atravè Kad Politik pou yon Tranzisyon Efikas ak Ekitab.”

“BAI travay chak jou ak viktim vyolans seksyèl; e nou ap temwen abi terib ansanm ak absans repons efikas, sa ki vyole dwa fanm ak tifi ki se prensipal viktim yo,” se sa Me Kattia Dorestant-Lefruy nan BAI deklare. “Nou felisite langaj solid Rezolisyon an ki mande prevansyon vyolans seksyèl, repons efikas ak sèvis adekwa pou tout viktim yo, ki gen ladan ankèt serye ak pouswit jidisyè ki gen sans. Mwen swete Depite Yvette D. Clarke ak kòlèg li yo nan Kongrè a pral pwochen etap la lè yo itilize pouvwa politik yo pou asire plis finansman ak mezi amelyore pou konbat vyolans ki baze sou sèks ann Ayiti — epi pou avanse egalite alontèm fanm ak tifi ayisyèn yo."

Li Rezolisyon an: https://bit.ly/45R03pC

Li kominike pou laprès nou an: https://bit.ly/49zZx1J

Li (epi pou òganizasyon yo, siyen) Kad Politik la: https://bit.ly/3NUTdsY

01/22/2026

IJDH is thrilled to report a major advocacy success achieved together with its partners, including the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux - BAI, NÈGÈS MAWON, The Haitian Women's Collective, MADRE, and American Jewish World Service - AJWS today. 48 members of the U.S. House of Representatives stepped up to support the rights of Haitian women and girls and to stand in solidarity with Haitian civil society. The bodies of Haitian women and girls have become the battle grounds for Haiti’s complex crisis, even as they are marginalized in critical decisions regarding peacebuilding and governance for their country. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and 47 co-sponsors have introduced a Resolution (https://bit.ly/45R03pC) that forcefully condemns this unlawful status quo and calls for urgent actions consistent with longstanding demands by Haitian civil society - including the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition (https://bit.ly/3NUTdsY) that IJDH has helped develop and promote.

“[P]olicies, programs, and corresponding budgetary allocations must be urgently implemented” in a manner that centers the demands and perspectives of Haitian civil society - particularly Haitian feminist and women’s rights organizations - according to the Representatives sponsoring the Resolution. We urge immediate corresponding actions, even as we call on Congress to fully adopt the Resolution.

“The proposed Resolution represents an extraordinary measure,” said IJDH’s Sasha Fillipova. “48 Members of Congress are saying that the U.S. government, Haiti’s international partners, and Haiti’s transitional government are violating women’s rights, and in the process undermining their own efforts to establish peace and stable democracy in Haiti. The Representatives have also aligned their calls for immediate measures with those that have been urged by Haitian women’s rights and other civil society leaders - including what almost 200 organizations have put forward through the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition.”

“The BAI works with victims of sexual violence every day; and we are seeing horrific abuses and an absence of effective responses, which violate the rights of women and girls who are the primary victims,” said the BAI’s Me Kattia Dorestant-Lefruy. “We applaud the Resolution’s strong language calling for the prevention of sexual violence and for effective responses and adequate services for any victims, including meaningful investigations and prosecutions. I hope that Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her Congressional colleagues will next use their political power to secure more funding and improved measures for tackling gender-based violence in Haiti - and to advance the long-term equality of Haitian women and girls.”

Read the Resolution: https://bit.ly/45R03pC

Read our press release: https://bit.ly/49zZx1J

Read (and for organizations sign on to) the Policy Framework: https://bit.ly/3NUTdsY

12/31/2025

A letter from Mèt Gesnel Pierre, Haitian attorney and member of the Leadership Council of the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI):

My team and I are the direct continuation of the work of our mentor, Mario Joseph, who led the BAI for over thirty years as Haiti’s leading human rights lawyer. We were rigorously prepared, trained, mentored, and shaped by Mario himself to ensure the continuity and sustainability of this historic mission.

We are not mere successors; we are the guardians of the flame. We were born in the halls of the BAI and forged by the moral integrity and the fire of passion that Mr. Mario embodied. While the context of our struggle evolves, his vision remains our compass: to defend the most vulnerable, to challenge oppression, and to be a constant instrument of accompaniment for our people.

With this Leadership Council, the BAI remains a living institution – a thorn in the side of the powerful, an instrument for technical advocacy and legal accompaniment, and a source of hope and support for victims of human rights violations who otherwise lack the means to defend themselves. Mario’s legacy lives on in the courage of survivors, in the determination of our team, and in your commitment by our side.

We know the road ahead remains long, but we firmly believe that every step counts. Every survivor of sexual violence protected, lawyer trained, or grassroots conference held brings us closer to a Haiti where the justice and democracy will no longer be a privilege, but a guarantee.

However, we need to be equipped with the necessary tools to continue this work and realize Mario’s vision. Accompanying survivors, training the next generation of Haitian lawyers, and coordinating advocacy require resources: for buying food for clients – for many the only meal they may have that day, staff salaries, and more. We are stepping up in unimaginable situations in Haiti to ensure Mario’s legacy is continued, can you step up with us?

Mesi anpil for standing with me, my colleagues, and our commitment to Mario’s mission for a truly liberated and just country for his people. We couldn’t do this work without your support.

Until midnight tonight, your contribution to continuing Mario’s legacy doubled! ijdh.org/donate

12/26/2025

A letter from Mèt Kattia Dorestant, BAI Leadership Council, Staff Attorney:

Can you imagine what it’s like to commute to work on a road lined by armed gang members? This is my reality. I live in an area that’s under gang control, and the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux office is in an area that’s unpredictable. Sometimes there are battles between rival gangs or police, and I cannot get to the office at all.

Although it’s difficult, I keep coming to work whenever possible. I’m motivated by the trust that the population of Haiti has placed in the BAI for more than 30 years. I feel it’s my duty to defend the rights of the poorest people and continue the legacy of my mentor, Mario Joseph.

It’s important to have women lawyers working for human rights for many reasons; oftentimes, they have more patience and a greater ability to understand the experiences of women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence. The movement for women’s rights first began in Haiti in the 1930s, and it continues today. In the past five years, even more women have become mobilized and are active in the political life of the country. This will be Haiti’s liberation.

I am deeply grateful for all those who support IJDH/BAI. You are making an investment in a peaceful, just future in Haiti and participating in ameliorating the pain of the most vulnerable. Despite the obstacles, the BAI will continue working to defend those who are poorest. Our doors are open to welcome women and girls who have suffered any form of violence.

I call on everyone to join our fight to make social justice a reality in Haiti: link in bio to donate. Between now and December 31, your contribution DOUBLED!

Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH)

03/30/2026

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03/13/2026

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02/25/2026

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02/18/2026

02/05/2026

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12/31/2025

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