December 23, 2024
The Transitional Presidential Council has appointed Judge Jean Wilner Morin as interim Ombudsman, marking a significant change within the Office of Citizen Protection (OCP). This decision, made official by a decree published on November 12 in the official journal Le Moniteur, confirms the replacement of Renan Hédouville, who had held the position since October 2017.
Jean Wilner Morin, a prominent figure in Haiti’s judiciary, now leads an institution responsible for defending citizens’ rights and ensuring transparency within public administration. His mission will include the rigorous follow-up of complaints and reports related to abuse of power and human rights violations. In accepting this role, Judge Morin is committed to promoting a fairer justice system for all Haitians in a political and social context marked by significant tensions.
A Criticized Tenure for Renan Hédouville
The appointment of Jean Wilner Morin comes at a time when critical voices have been raised against his predecessor’s administration. Renan Hédouville, who led the OCP for nearly seven years, faced strong criticism from various human rights organizations, including the Organisation Citoyenne pour une Nouvelle Haïti (OCNH). This group has called on the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) to launch a thorough investigation into what it describes as the “catastrophic management” of the OCP under Hédouville’s administration.
As Jean Wilner Morin steps into this role, he faces significant challenges, particularly the task of restoring citizens’ trust in the OCP. His appointment may indicate a willingness on the part of the transitional authorities to initiate meaningful reforms in the protection of Haitian citizens’ rights.