ARTICLE - LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE IS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(Haiti Libre) -

Mr. Michel Brunache, the Minister of Justice and Public Security organized yesterday Monday, a working session to take stock of the legal assistance program in Haiti. The Minister noted that the Haitian government had virtually abandoned the assistance program into the hands of international organizations, and regretted that these organizations are not coordinated, and that it is difficult to assess the impact of their work "...We have a duty to repatriate the legal assistance system [...]", while recognizing at the same time, that without the help of these organizations, the situation could be worse.

To improve the situation, Minister Brunache announced that his Ministry would take all necessary steps to be informed of the terms of reference, and the results of these organizations, in order to coordinate the legal assistance programs in the country, for best results. According to the Minister, government's actions will help "to fight the phenomenon of prolonged pretrial detention, which is one of its priorities", recalling that about 2,500 people (300 women and 100 minors) are in custody in extreme conditions, pending a decision [HL-some for several years].

Senator Andrice Riché who approves the approach of Ministry says he is waiting for the bill relating to these proposals, noting that the vast majority of people in custody, are unable to afford counsel.