Outcome Declaration of CARICOM, International Partners and Haitian Stakeholders

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Country/entity: Haiti
Region: Americas
Agreement name: Outcome Declaration of CARICOM, International Partners and Haitian Stakeholders
Date: 11 Mar 2024
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Haitian Political Crisis and Gang Violence (2011 - )
Recent violence can be linked to unrest caused by government removal of fuel subsidies in July 2018. Preceding this, over a decade of breakages in the social contract through a series of interim governments presiding over corruption, human rights abuses, sustained gang violence and lack of public services, set against a series of natural disasters, also shape the present phase of violent political crisis.

Between 2011-2016, corruption and poverty fuelled regular anti-government protests under new President Michel Martelly. A number of politicians and lawyers challenged the validity of a series of constitutional amendments made by congress under Martelly. In 2016, after postponing presidential elections and ruling by decree for over a year, Martelly resigned. Martelly’s designated candidate Jovenel Moise won a drawn-out process, with allegations of polling fraud delaying his office until early 2017. Social and political unrest continued, with an increase in gang violence towards citizens, and continued violation of human rights under Moise. Opposition accused government of constraining the judiciary’s authority, with US officials also alleging that government officials were collaborating with gangs to suppress political opposition and anti-government protest, further aggravating social unrest and violence.

Moise also continued to rule by decree and postponed a referendum, with mass protests against his rule taking place in early 2021. On the 7th of July 2021, a group of armed men assassinated the president in his home.

Throughout 2021 there were more natural disasters, and under interim prime minister Ariel Henry, Gangs further established themselves as informal authorities, becoming increasingly autonomous from the political elites they had historically been affiliated with. Coalitions of gangs blockaded Port-au-Prince in October 2021 and again in September 2022, following another year of social unrest caused by government withdrawal of fuel subsidies, as seen in 2018. By October 2023 the UNSC authorised a Kenyan-led multinational security support mission (MSS).

In February 2024, while Henry was in Nairobi a coalition of rival gangs swept through the capital attacking police stations, government buildings and forcing the airport to close. In response, Caribbean Community states, the US and other nations initiated talks, concluding with formation of a Transitional Presidential Council, and Henry resigning.

As of early 2025, a proposed plan for a referendum continues to be delayed due to a lack of functioning electoral bodies, and the secure environment necessary for polling processes. Gangs continue to control much of the capital and key roads, with estimates of over 5,600 killed due to gang violence in 2024, with hundreds more killed going into 2025. Over one million people are estimated to have been displaced by violence as of January 2025.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Haiti: post-2022 agreements
Parties: Not signed, but the agreement listed the following participants: CARICOM, Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, United Nations, the United States of America, and Haitian stakeholders.
Third parties: -
Description: CARICOM convened a meeting on the Haitian crisis with international partners (Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, United Nations and the United States of America) and Haitian stakeholders. The meeting culminated with a commitment to a transitional governance engagement and a peaceful transition of power.

Agreement document: HT_240311_Outcome Declaration of CARICOM, International Partners and Haitian Stakeholders (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→Temporary new institutions
We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance arrangement, which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security, and the road to free and fair elections.
It further seeks to assure that Haiti will be governed by the rule of law.
This commitment reflects hard compromises among a diverse coalition of actors who have put their country above all differences.
To that end:
We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, upon the establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council and the naming of an Interim Prime Minister.
And the following is agreed:
The creation of a Transitional Presidential Council comprised of seven voting members and two non-voting observers.
The seven voting members will comprise one representative from each of the following groups:
Collectif, December 21, EDE/RED/Compris Historique, Lavalas, Montana, Pitit Desalin, and the Private Sector.
The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one member of the InterFaith community.
The Council will exercise specified presidential authorities during the transition, operating by majority vote;
The exclusion from the Transitional Presidential Council of:
anyone who is currently on a charge, indictment or has been convicted in any jurisdiction;
anyone who is under UN Sanction;
anyone who intends to run in the next election in Haiti;
anyone who opposes the UN Security Council (UN SC) Resolution 2699.
The Transitional Presidential Council will swiftly select and appoint an interim Prime Minister;
The Transitional Presidential Council will together with the Interim Prime Minister appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;
The Transitional Presidential council will hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until an elected government is established.
The Transitional Presidential Council will undertake the following:
Appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;
co-sign the orders, decrees and to sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and establish the Provisional Electoral Council;
make arrangements for a peaceful transition, ensure continuity of governance, and establish a national security council;
continue collaboration with all members of the international community for the accelerated deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by UNSCR 2699/2023.
It is agreed that implementation of these measures will be conducted in parallel.
Elections: We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance arrangement, which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security, and the road to free and fair elections.
The exclusion from the Transitional Presidential Council of:
anyone who intends to run in the next election in Haiti;
With a framework in place that illuminates a path forward, it is incumbent upon all Haitians to give the agreement a chance to work, to enter into a process of national dialogue, and to lay the groundwork for a transition that is based on inclusivity, encourages participation by all stakeholders, and paves the way for elections as soon as possible.
Electoral commission: The Transitional Presidential Council will undertake the following:
co-sign the orders, decrees and to sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and establish the Provisional Electoral Council;
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: Power sharing→Political power sharing→Executive coalition
State level
This commitment reflects hard compromises among a diverse coalition of actors who have put their country above all differences.
State level
To that end:
State level
We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, upon the establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council and the naming of an Interim Prime Minister.
State level
And the following is agreed:
State level
The creation of a Transitional Presidential Council comprised of seven voting members and two non-voting observers.
State level
The seven voting members will comprise one representative from each of the following groups:
State level
Collectif, December 21, EDE/RED/Compris Historique, Lavalas, Montana, Pitit Desalin, and the Private Sector.
State level
The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one member of the InterFaith community.
State level
The Council will exercise specified presidential authorities during the transition, operating by majority vote;
State level
The exclusion from the Transitional Presidential Council of:
State level
anyone who is currently on a charge, indictment or has been convicted in any jurisdiction;
State level
anyone who is under UN Sanction;
State level
anyone who intends to run in the next election in Haiti;
State level
anyone who opposes the UN Security Council (UN SC) Resolution 2699.
State level
The Transitional Presidential Council will swiftly select and appoint an interim Prime Minister;
State level
The Transitional Presidential Council will together with the Interim Prime Minister appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;
State level
The Transitional Presidential council will hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until an elected government is established.
State level
The Transitional Presidential Council will undertake the following:
State level
Appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;
State level
co-sign the orders, decrees and to sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and establish the Provisional Electoral Council;
State level
make arrangements for a peaceful transition, ensure continuity of governance, and establish a national security council;
State level
continue collaboration with all members of the international community for the accelerated deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by UNSCR 2699/2023.
State level
It is agreed that implementation of these measures will be conducted in parallel.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance arrangement, which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security, and the road to free and fair elections.
It further seeks to assure that Haiti will be governed by the rule of law.
And the following is agreed:
The exclusion from the Transitional Presidential Council of:
anyone who is under UN Sanction;
anyone who opposes the UN Security Council (UN SC) Resolution 2699.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: We commend the willingness and courage of Haitian stakeholders to commit to put Haiti back on a path toward democracy, stability, and prosperity.
This is the only sustainable path to a future of strong democratic institutions, peaceful resolution of conflict, and security and prosperity for all Haitians
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: Today, [11 March 2024] CARICOM convened Haitian Stakeholders and the following international development partners:
Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, United Nations and the United States of America to discuss the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: continue collaboration with all members of the international community for the accelerated deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by UNSCR 2699/2023.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

OUTCOME DECLARATION OF CARICOM, INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS AND HAITIAN STAKEHOLDERS

Today, [11 March 2024] CARICOM convened Haitian Stakeholders and the following international development partners:

Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, United Nations and the United States of America to discuss the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

This meeting followed a series of discussions over a period of time, including those facilitated by the Eminent Persons Group, which engaged a wide range of actors including Haitian political parties, the religious community, private sector, the diaspora, and civil society.

We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance arrangement, which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security, and the road to free and fair elections.

It further seeks to assure that Haiti will be governed by the rule of law.

This commitment reflects hard compromises among a diverse coalition of actors who have put their country above all differences.

To that end:

We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, upon the establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council and the naming of an Interim Prime Minister.

And the following is agreed:

The creation of a Transitional Presidential Council comprised of seven voting members and two non-voting observers.

The seven voting members will comprise one representative from each of the following groups:

Collectif, December 21, EDE/RED/Compris Historique, Lavalas, Montana, Pitit Desalin, and the Private Sector.

The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one member of the InterFaith community.

The Council will exercise specified presidential authorities during the transition, operating by majority vote;

The exclusion from the Transitional Presidential Council of:

anyone who is currently on a charge, indictment or has been convicted in any jurisdiction;

anyone who is under UN Sanction;

anyone who intends to run in the next election in Haiti;

anyone who opposes the UN Security Council (UN SC) Resolution 2699.

The Transitional Presidential Council will swiftly select and appoint an interim Prime Minister;

The Transitional Presidential Council will together with the Interim Prime Minister appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;

The Transitional Presidential council will hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until an elected government is established.

The Transitional Presidential Council will undertake the following:

Appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers;

co-sign the orders, decrees and to sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and establish the Provisional Electoral Council;

make arrangements for a peaceful transition, ensure continuity of governance, and establish a national security council;

continue collaboration with all members of the international community for the accelerated deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by UNSCR 2699/2023.

It is agreed that implementation of these measures will be conducted in parallel.

The parties also made specific, individual commitments regarding principles of inclusion, integrity, a restoration of peace, and an orderly transition of power.

These shared and individual commitments can represent important steps toward facilitating increased humanitarian access to help ease the suffering of the Haitian people.

The international community stands ready to partner with Haiti to achieve these goals.

Haitian participants must now fully implement their commitments.

Haitians deserve a country where children can go to school and their parents know they will be safe.

We commend the willingness and courage of Haitian stakeholders to commit to put Haiti back on a path toward democracy, stability, and prosperity.

With a framework in place that illuminates a path forward, it is incumbent upon all Haitians to give the agreement a chance to work, to enter into a process of national dialogue, and to lay the groundwork for a transition that is based on inclusivity, encourages participation by all stakeholders, and paves the way for elections as soon as possible.

This is the only sustainable path to a future of strong democratic institutions, peaceful resolution of conflict, and security and prosperity for all Haitians