December 23, 2024
The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) released a comprehensive report on Tuesday, formally requesting the competent courts to initiate legal proceedings against thirteen former Haitian diplomats. These individuals are accused of failing to comply with their obligation to submit asset declarations, despite multiple reminders. The accused diplomats, who held positions such as Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives of Haiti to International Organizations, Consuls General, and Consuls, face severe sanctions if found guilty.
The ULCC’s mission is to combat corruption within the public administration, protect public assets, promote transparency in public management, and ensure ethical conduct in public life. It was established by a decree dated September 8, 2004, under the interim presidency of the late Boniface Alexandre.
The diplomats targeted by this action include Léon Charles, Gilles Stéphane, Jean Yves Rody, Jean Josué Pierre (Dahomey), Rockefeller Jules Samuel, Bataille Frantz, Benoit Lesly, Régine Lamur, Wedlyne François, François Guerrier, Saget Walfaud, Jean-Pierre Garvey, and Jean Philippe Ricardo Ralph.
According to the law of February 12, 2008, these former officials were required to submit asset declarations both upon taking office and upon leaving. Failure to comply with this legal requirement may result in penalties such as the loss of civil and political rights, including the right to vote, eligibility for office, and the ability to hold public positions.
The ULCC emphasized the importance of this process, noting that asset declarations are a key tool for promoting transparency and combating illicit enrichment within public administration. Despite efforts to remind the diplomats of their obligations, their non-compliance constitutes a serious offense, warranting the initiation of legal proceedings.
In this context, the ULCC stressed the need to strengthen punitive measures to fight corruption in Haiti. The organization calls on judicial authorities to strictly enforce the law in order to uphold the integrity of state institutions and promote transparent and responsible governance.