Haiti: Various protests Nov. 10, 14, and 18 /update 1

Event

Opposition groups have called for various protests to take place on Friday, November 10, Tuesday, November 14, and Saturday, November 18, to demand greater transparency in ongoing corruption investigations and to denounce President Jovenel Moïse's government and its 2017-2018 national budget. On November 10, a sit-in will be held in the capital Port-au-Prince in front of the Palace of Justice. On November 14 and 18 protests will be held throughout the country, with the largest demonstrations likely in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding suburbs of Pétionville, Delmas, and Carrefour.

As with all protests in Haiti, there is a risk of violent outbreaks including clashes between protesters and security forces, as well as roadblocks. Transportation disruptions and an increased security presence are likely.

Context

Strikes and protests have broken out in Haiti in recent months over the adoption of the 2017-2018 budget. The budget has received strong criticism because it includes a significant pay raise and a set of perks for members of parliament while increasing taxes and fees for the rest of the population.

In addition, civil rights groups have held protests to demand the senate's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Committee publicly release the findings of its investigation into the misuse of funds invested by PetroCaribe in Haiti. The committee is scheduled to announce its findings on November 14 but is not expected to release the full report. PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of Caribbean states with Venezuela, with the goal of promoting economic cooperation.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to strictly avoid all protests and rallies due to the high likelihood of violence.