Port-au-Prince, 1 July 2025.- The Professional Association of Magistrates (APM) welcomed the adoption by the Council of Ministers on 25 June of the new criminal codes and criminal procedure. She sees it as a major step towards modernizing Haitian law. However, the MPA expressed strong reservations about the preliminary draft of the new Constitution, which it considered insufficiently protective of the independence of the judiciary.
In a communiqué issued on Monday, June 30, 2025, the MPA believes that the revised texts are better adapted to current realities. They should strengthen the fight against crime, modernize judicial procedures, improve access to justice and align the Haitian legal system with international standards.
However, the Association calls on the authorities to accompany this reform with concrete measures such as:
– the effective application of new provisions;
– strengthening the logistical and institutional capacity of the judiciary;
– the continuing training of professionals in the sector;
– a national outreach campaign for the population.
At the same time, the MPA expresses its deep concern about the preliminary draft constitution transmitted by the Steering Committee to the executive. It deplores the lack of guarantees for judicial independence and the lack of consultation with the Supreme Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) and associations of magistrates.
Considering these shortcomings as an infringement of the principle of democratic participation, the MPA urges the authorities to review the relevant provisions.
W.E.
