Above: the UN’s Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, Michel Forst (UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe met Friday with Michel Forst, the United Nations’ Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti.

Lamothe was joined by Minister Delegate to the PM for Human Rights Marie Carmelle Rose Anne Auguste.

The two sides discussed range of human rights issues, including the reform of the prison system, efforts toward judicial reform, the establishment of an interdepartmental coordinating committee on human rights, Haiti’s appointment of a delegate for the rule of law under the PM’s authority and the establishment of an office of international human rights.

“The creation of the Minister Delegate for Human Rights and the struggle against poverty is a first in the history of the country,” Lamothe said. “It reflects the importance given to the issue by my government — and I renew my commitment to fight for the improvement of the situation for human rights in Haiti.”

Forst, who made a nine-day visit to Haiti earlier this year, said at the time that Haiti had shown progress on restoring the rule of law in the country.