The situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Having considered the item entitled "The situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti",

Bearing in mind that, on the basis of its resolution 45/2 of 10 October 1990, the United Nations system, at the request of the lawful authorities of that country and in cooperation with the Organization of American States, supported the efforts of the people of Haiti to consolidate their democratic institutions and also supported the holding of free elections on 16 December 1990,

Concerned about the critical events occurring in Haiti since 29 September 1991, which have brought about a sudden and violent interruption of the democratic process in that country, entailing human rights abuses and the loss of human lives,

Bearing in mind the presentation made by the President of Haiti, Mr. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, to the Security Council on 3 October 1991,

Given the importance of support from the international community for the development of democracy in Haiti by strengthening its institutions and giving high priority to the serious social and economic problems that it faces,

Aware that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Organization promotes and encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government",

Welcoming resolutions MRE/RES.1/91 and MRE/RES.2/91 adopted on 3 and 8 October 1991, respectively, by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the member countries of the Organization of American States,

1.         Strongly condemns the attempted illegal replacement of the constitutional President of Haiti, the use of violence and military coercion and the violation of human rights in that country;

2.         Affirms as unacceptable any entity resulting from that illegal situation and demands the immediate restoration of the legitimate Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, together with the full application of the National Constitution and hence the full observance of human rights in Haiti;

3.         Requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in accordance with his functions, to consider providing support sought by the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States in implementing the mandates arising from resolutions MRE/RES.1/91 and MRE/RES.2/91 adopted by that organization;

4.         Appeals to the States Members of the United Nations to take measures in support of the resolutions of the Organization of American States referred to in paragraph 3 above;

5.         Emphasizes that an increase in technical, economic and financial cooperation, when constitutional order is restored in Haiti, is necessary to support its economic and social development efforts in order to strengthen its democratic institutions;

6.         Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report as soon as possible on the implementation of the present resolution;

7.         Decides to keep open the consideration of this item until a solution to the situation is found.