ARTICLE - UN PROTESTS - ACCOUNTABILITY

PROTESTERS CALL FOR UN ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHILD SUPPORT FOR PEACEKEEPER KIDS
(Defend Haiti) - By Samuel Maxime

NEW YORK) - An international coalition of Haitians from around the world were at the premises of the United Nations building on the first day of the 66th General Assembly to demand accountability from the world organization's military force even up to ensuring the care and well being of children born of UN soldiers.

The coalition consisted of over 17 grassroots organizations with members who traveled from as far as Miami, Montreal and the mid-west United States. Organizer, Salusa Basquin, spoke to Defend Haiti via telephone explaining to us what they are asking the United Nations to do.

Justice for rape victims and family members of murder victims. The Haitian Senate is preparing a resolution to remove immunity from United Nations personnel, including soldiers, for crimes committed. The group in New York is calling for the same, Basquin told DH.

Lawyer and missionary, Mirta Desir added that the UN should be aware of children that are being born by their solders. Desir, a frequent participant in medical missions to Haiti explained how these young soldiers, in a country not at war, with most of its citizens in poverty make a vulnerable situation for young girls.

Desir confided in us that most of the foreign forces in Haiti are likened unto tourists only with guns and nothing to do. She said records of children born by soldiers should be made, soldiers should notify the mother of all possible hereditary illnesses, and monetary compensation, child support, should be mandatory before they leave the island.

"It's about the kids at the end of the day," the lawyer spoke to Defend Haiti on the phone from New York.

The coalition expects a bigger rally on Friday at the same location. The President of Haiti Michel Martelly arrived in New York on Sunday. The delegation has a series of engagements throughout the week with the UN and the international community.

About the president not boycotting the United Nations, Salusa Basquin told DH that "there are different ways to attack a problem... he is the President; he has to look out for the people his way."