On the initiative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Dr. Patrick Pelissier, participated in two days of work in Washington dedicated to addressing Haiti's security needs. The discussions focused on strategies, outcomes achieved, and the country's requirements.<\/p>

The meeting brought together partners such as the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the INL, the Organization of American States (OAS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Bank, and CARICOM. Representatives from Chile, France, Jamaica, and the United States were also involved.<\/p>

In an interview granted to the newspaper on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Minister Pelissier stated that multiple commitments were expressed. “The areas of commitment focus on the construction of prisons and recommendations for strengthening judicial hubs within the framework of the rule of law,” he reported.<\/p>

According to the minister, the partners first recommend strengthening the independence of government commissioners and their irremovability, in order to protect them from potential political pressures. They also demand to ensure the security of judges assigned to judicial hubs.<\/p>

The recommendations also address the working conditions of these judges. It involves guaranteeing them better salary treatment and offering them ongoing training. “They are asking us to strengthen the independence of government commissioners […], to ensure the security of judges […] and to provide them with better treatment in terms of salary as well as continuous training,” explained Patrick Pelissier.<\/p>

No amount has been proposed yet, but there are preliminary agreements<\/strong><\/p>

The minister specified that no figures were announced during the meeting. “No amounts have been put forward,” he emphasized. However, the IDB has committed, as Minister Pelissier revealed, to continue the process and has requested the Haitian side to formally submit its request in writing at the end of the two days of work.<\/p>

Haiti has presented a significant budget for penal reform and prison construction, among other areas. Two investment fields have ultimately been retained: prisons and specialized judicial hubs. “These are not yet written commitments, but preliminary agreements whereby the IDB will invest in these fields,” the minister stated.<\/p>

The Minister of Justice indicated that these agreements concern three prison construction projects in the West, Southeast, and North of the country.<\/p>

According to the minister, this initiative is part of the authorities' efforts to modernize the penitentiary system and strengthen the judicial system. It also aims to reinforce the rule of law in a context where security needs remain significant.<\/p>