Human rights in Haiti, G.A. res. 48/151, 48 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 49) at 272, U.N. Doc. A/48/49 (1993).


The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 46/7 of 11 October 1991, 46/138 of 17 December 1991, 47/20 of 24 November 1992 and 47/143 of 18 December 1992,

Guided by the principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights,

Aware of its responsibility for the promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and resolved to keep a close watch on human rights violations wherever they may occur,

Reaffirming that all Member States are required to promote and protect human rights and to comply with the obligations laid down in the various instruments in this field,

Taking note of Commission on Human Rights resolution 1993/68 of 10 March 1993, in which the Commission decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one year, with a view to having him submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session and a final report to the Commission at its fiftieth session,

Taking note also of the report submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 47/20 B of 20 April 1993 by the International Civilian Mission to Haiti, established by the United Nations and the Organization of American States,

Deeply concerned about the grave events occurring in Haiti since 29 September 1991, which abruptly and violently interrupted the democratic process in that country and have resulted in the loss of human lives and violations of human rights,

Concerned at the exodus of Haitian nationals from the country because of the deteriorating political and economic situation since 29 September 1991,

Deeply alarmed by the persistence and worsening of serious violations of human rights, in particular summary and arbitrary executions, forced disappearances, torture and rape, arbitrary arrests and detentions and denial of freedom of expression, assembly and association,

Deeply concerned by the increase in acts of violence and intimidation against the Government of Haiti, especially the assassination of the Minister of Justice, Francois Guy Malary, which have contributed to the temporary withdrawal of the International Civilian Mission,

Recognizing the important role played by the International Civilian Mission, whose presence in Haiti has prevented greater violations of human rights, and encouraging its earliest possible return to Haiti,

1. Commends the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Marco Tulio Bruni Celli, for his report on the situation of human rights in Haiti and supports the recommendations contained therein;

2. Once again condemns the overthrow of the constitutionally elected President, Mr. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and the use of violence and military coercion, and the subsequent deterioration of the situation of human rights in Haiti;

3. Expresses its conviction that the full implementation of the Governors Island Agreement, which was signed by all parties, is essential for the improvement of the situation of human rights in Haiti, and that the refusal by one of the parties to implement this Agreement has led to a further deterioration of the human rights situation;

4. Expresses its deep concern about the continuing worsening of the human rights situation in Haiti during 1993 and the resulting increase in violations of the human rights embodied in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the American Convention on Human Rights: "Pact of San Jose, Costa Rica" and other international human rights instruments;

5. Condemns the recurrence of the flagrant human rights violations committed under the illegal government that took power following the coup of 29 September 1991, in particular, summary executions, political assassinations, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, searches without warrant, rape, restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, assembly and association and of the press and the repression of popular demonstrations calling for the return of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide;

6. Calls for the early return of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti as a means of preventing further violations of human rights;

7. Calls the attention of the international community to the fate of the Haitian nationals who are fleeing the country and requests its supportfor the efforts being made to assist them;

8. Expresses its appreciation to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the work it is doing in favour of the Haitian nationals fleeing the country and invites Member States to continue to give financial and material support to its efforts;

9. Calls upon Member States to continue and to intensify their humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti and welcomes in this regard the decision of the Secretary-General to dispatch a team of additional humanitarian personnel to Haiti;

10. Decides to keep the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Haiti under review during its forty-ninth session and to consider it further in the light of the information supplied by the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council.

85th plenary meeting
20 December 1993