Haïti and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Haiti: Discovering Lake Péligre

At the heart of the majestic Haitian topography, lies a natural gem of breathtaking beauty: Lake Péligre. Nestled in the mountains of Haiti’s central region, this artificial lake is a wonder for local residents and amazed visitors alike. From its historical creation to its contemporary ecological importance, let’s explore together the riches of Lake Péligre. Origin and History: Lac de Péligre is the result of an ambitious engineering project undertaken in the 1950s. At that time, the Haitian government, in collaboration with international partners, undertook the construction of the Péligre Dam on the Artibonite River. The main goal was to provide large-scale electricity to Haïti while regulating river flooding to protect agricultural land downstream. Ecology and Biodiversity: Beyond its usefulness as a source of hydraulic energy, Lake Péligre is home to rich ecological diversity. The calm waters of the lake provide vital habitat for a variety of native fish species, supporting local fishing communities. In addition, the surrounding forests and hills that border the lake are home to diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of the regional ecosystem. Tourism and Leisure: For outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts, Lake Péligre offers a multitude of leisure opportunities. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the tranquil waters of the lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, hiking trails winding through lush forests allow hikers to explore the area’s natural beauty. Lake Péligre represents much more than a simple artificial body of water. It is a living testament to human ingenuity and the natural beauty of Haiti. As an emerging tourism destination, it offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, while highlighting the crucial importance of environmental conservation. By preserving this natural treasure, we also preserve the sustainable future of our planet.

A successful eighth outing for the Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval chair

On Wednesday, October 24, 2024, in the premises of the Office of Citizen Protection, on the road to Bourdon, the 8th Wednesday outing of the Monferrier Dorval chair took place. As a reminder, the Wednesdays of the chair are one of the initiatives taken within the framework of the Monferrier Dorval chair of constitutional law, established on March 12 by the Council of the State University of Haïti (UEH). The rector, Mr. Fritz Deshommes, is the technical director. Professor Henri Marge Dorléans, former Minister of Justice, is the scientific director, and the dean of the Faculty of Law and Economics, Me Eugène Pierre Louis, holds the position of both technical and scientific vice-president. It should also be noted that the two main objectives of the chair are, on the one hand, to promote the memory of Professor Dorval, then President of the Bar Association, who was cowardly assassinated in front of his house, near that of the presidential couple at the time, on August 20, 2020. On the other hand, it is about promoting the work he had undertaken in the country, as a professor of constitutional law, around the need to make a constitutional change to facilitate effective governance and better institutional management of Haiti.

The Haitian Revolution: A MAJOR Event in History

With the arrival of Christopher Columbus in Haïti in 1492, life on this small piece of peaceful territory would radically change into the most sinister chaos. Experiencing a major dive into crime, and the darkest barbarity, known as slavery. The arrival of black people captured in Africa, violently crossing the Atlantic to end up on Haitian soil, is part of this tragic story. The Amerindians (the first inhabitants of Haiti) having suffered a large-scale genocide, under the weight of European slavery, were unable to resist and were replaced by these Africans, who centuries later would arrive to put an end to this shameful system, through an unparalleled revolution.

Carrefour: Launch of the 18th edition of Week-end Poétique

After "No to violence", the theme of the previous edition, "I read, I grow" is the theme around which the 18th edition of Week-end Poétique will take place, scheduled for January 31, 2025 at Carrefour. As a special guest, this edition will welcome Jean-Rony Charles, author of Pitié, a short story that, in its depth, focuses on the human condition, in particular the precarious life situations that many people face on a daily basis. Exhibitions, workshops, performances and book signings are among the various activities on the program for this 18th edition. The Week-end Poétique is not only a relaxing activity, but a real space for engagement, offering activities that have a direct impact on the Carrefour community. Events of a social, cultural, artistic, literary, etc. nature constitute its heart and contribute to enriching local life.

Cultural exploration: Discovering the Haitian soul

Cultural exploration offers a fascinating window into the richness and diversity of world heritage. Among destinations that captivate with their history, art and unique identity, Haïti stands out as a cultural gem worth discovering. b~Historical heritage:~b The history of Haïti is marked by the resilience of the Haitian people in the face of slavery, colonization and political challenges. It is the first independent state in Latin America and the only one founded by a successful slave revolt. Haiti’s historical heritage is reflected in its art, music, dance and beliefs. b~Art and Crafts:~b Haitian artistic expression is vibrant and powerful. Naive painting, famous for its bright colors and narrative themes, has its roots in Vodou traditions and local folklore. Haitian artists have gained international fame by capturing the mystical spirit and daily life of the country. b~Music, rhythm of the Haitian soul:~b Music is the pulsating soul of Haiti. From direct compass to voodoo to jazz to rasin, each musical genre has a deeply rooted history in Haitian culture. The iconic band, Boukman Eksperyans, fuses traditional rhythms with modern influences, creating a unique sonic experience that transcends boundaries. b~Dance and movements:~b Dance in Haïti is a celebration of life and spirituality. Voodoo dances, such as Yanvalou and Banda, embody sacred rituals while preserving African heritage. The graceful movements and colorful costumes tell stories from Haitian history, creating a deep connection between past and present. b~Spirituality and Voodoo:~b Vodou, often misunderstood, is an essential component of Haitian culture. It is a syncretic religion that combines African, Native American and Catholic elements. Vodou ceremonies, with their intoxicating dances and mystical rituals, are powerful expressions of Haitian spirituality and are rooted in the quest for connection with ancestors and deities. Exploring the Haitian soul means delving into a world where history, art, music and spirituality intertwine to form a unique cultural web. Haiti, with its diversity and resilience, offers an experience rich in emotions and discoveries. Whether through the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince, the vibrant art galleries or the captivating rhythms, every corner of this Caribbean country reveals a captivating facet of its deep and living soul.

Carrefour: Kay Jèn Yo s’ouvre aux enfants

Dans le cadre du programme de promotion des droits et de l’épanouissement de l’enfant "Timoun se moun" piloté par l’organisation Action Communautaire de Transformation et d’Intégration Formelle (ACTIF), Kay Jèn Yo organise, du 18 au 24 août 2025 (9h am - 1h pm), "Espas Lajwa", un camp d’été qui cible trente (30) enfants de 7 à 15 ans. Une grande panoplie d’activités éducatives, créatives et ludiques sont programmées pour le plus grand bien des enfants. Ils auront droit à des ateliers de : peinture, crochet, macramé, langue des signes, théãtre, lecture, échec, etc. Dans un contexte aussi traumatogène où la violence est monnaie courante, de telles initiaves sont d’une importance capitale. " Les enfants ne sont pas imperméables au stress et autres pathologies que peut provoquer la situation morbide qui sévit dans le pays actuellement", souligne Blondy Wolf Leblanc (Gabynho) DG a.i de ACTIF. "Espace Lajwa se veut donc, un refuge, un lieu où les enfants peuvent s’exprimer en toute sécurité, un espace sécurisant où ils peuvent exprimer leurs émotions à travers plusieurs médiums", précise-t-il. Plus loin, l’animateur socioculturel encourage d’autres structures à travers le pays à prendre des initiatives de ce genre au bénéfice de la santé mentale des enfants. Espas Lajwa est quasiment gratuit. Un frais de participation de 150 gourdes est requis pour la semaine. Quid Kay Jèn Yo Issu du projet "Pran Swen Tèt ou", Kay Jèn Yo est un projet de l’organisation ACTIF supporté par La Perfection École de Haute Couture visant à combattre la violence par l’engagement communautaire à travers des programmes de formation professionnelle et artistique. Situé au numéro 18, imp. Thoby, rue Desdunes, Mahotière 79, Kay Jèn Yo est ouvert du lundi au dimanche (9h am - 6h pm). Sebastien Jean Michel