The presence of the United Nations (UN) Peace Forces, commanded by Brazil, in Haiti is the object of some of the first protests planned for 2006 by organizations participating in the World Assembly of Social Movements, an event that is part of the 6th World Social Forum (WSF).
The movements are calling for demonstrations on February 15, when the UN is scheduled to vote on a resolution to extend the mandate of the MINUSTAH (the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti).
Another mobilization is planned for March 29, the anniversary of the Haitian Constitution. The purpose of Haitian Solidarity Day is to demand the cancellation of the country’s foreign debt, which is considered unjust and illegitimate.
According to Beverly Keene of the Southern Jubilee network, Haiti spent US$ 80 million on its debt in 2005 alone.
"It’s more than they were able to invest in health and education," she pointed out. The Haitian debt is also the object of permanent mobilization.
The campaign to cancel Haiti’s debt is part of a broader mobilization on behalf of poor countries in similar straits all over the world.
ABr