Financial Crime World

Haiti Passes Comprehensive Anti-Corruption Law After Years of Advocacy

A Major Breakthrough for the Caribbean Nation

Port-au-Prince - In a significant victory for the people of Haiti, the lower house of Parliament has passed a comprehensive anti-corruption law. The legislation, first drafted in 2007, aims to criminalize various corrupt practices that have long plagued the country.

Defining Corruption

The new law defines corruption as a broader range of illegal activities, including:

  • Conflicts of interest
  • Nepotism
  • Sexual harassment

These definitions were influenced by a booklet published by La Fondation Héritage pour Haïti (LFHH), the Transparency International chapter in Haiti. The booklet helped shape public understanding of corruption and provided guidance for lawmakers.

A Long-Overdue Relief for Haitians

The passage of this law comes as welcome relief for Haitians who have long suffered from widespread corruption. Unfortunately, Haiti has consistently ranked at the bottom of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Years in the Making

The anti-corruption law was years in the making, with LFHH providing input and advocacy throughout the process. However, progress was delayed by the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti and destroyed the parliament building.

A Step Forward, but More Work Remains

While this is a significant step forward, LFHH remains cautious. The organization notes that the new law is only a first step and that there are still several draft bills that need to be passed to complete Haiti’s anti-corruption strategy.

LFHH has drafted laws on:

  • Access to information
  • Whistleblower protection
  • Financing of political parties

These draft bills will soon be presented to the Organisation of American States (OAS) delegation during their visit to Haiti next month.

Urging Effective Implementation

In the meantime, LFHH is urging the government to implement the new anti-corruption law effectively. With this legislation in place, the organization believes that Haitians will be empowered to speak out against corruption without fear of reprisal.