Resources & Tools

Haitians rummage through trash dumps. (Photo: NY Times)
October 2009 | Special Report by Robert Maguire

USIP examines why efforts to stimulate Haiti's economy have so far proven unsuccessful, and recommends options to achieve sustainability and growth in the impoverished country.

Countries: Haiti | Issue Areas: Economics and Development
(Photo: United Nations)
August 2009 | Peace Briefing by Hans Joerg Albrecht, Louis Aucoin and Vivienne O’Connor

A new USIP report on Haiti's criminal laws examines the shortcomings of the impoverished country's criminal code – and finds promising opportunities to modernize and reform the laws. Despite Haiti's numerous challenges, the report concludes that new laws in Haiti will usher in a new era where the criminal justice system serves all people of Haiti, including the poor, vulnerable and marginalized, and upon which respect for the law and legitimacy of a stronger judicial system overall can be built.

Countries: Haiti | Issue Areas: Governance, Rule of Law
Foreign troops conduct health assessments in Haiti (Credit: US Navy Photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class David Danals)
May 2009 | Peace Briefing by Robert Perito

In 2009, Haiti has been the subject of an unprecedented diplomatic initiative led by the United Nations. In rapid succession, Haiti received visits from the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the UN Security Council, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and numerous senior delegations from Caribbean and South American countries

Countries: Haiti | Issue Areas: Economics and Development
Credit: File Photo
December 2008 | Peace Briefing by Robert Maguire

In July 2006, Haitian poet and historian Jean-Claude Martineau spoke at USIP and said that Haiti is the only country in the world with a last name—“Haiti, poorest country in the western hemisphere” —as described in the media. Sadly, in the two years since, conditions have worsened. Four severe storms that struck Haiti in September 2008 only exacerbated the already critical problem of the country’s poverty.

November 2008 | Peace Briefing by Robert M. Perito

In September 2008, four hurricanes and tropical storms—Fay, Gustav, Hannah and Ike—slammed into Haiti with devastating force. Nearly 800 people were killed, 300 remain missing and more than 500 were injured.

Credit: File Photo
September 2008 | Special Report by Michael Dziedzic and Robert Perito

The UN mission in Haiti's successful campaign against the country's gangs set a precedent for future missions. Based on field research, authors Michael Dziedzic and Robert Perito explore the conduct of military and police operations, Haitians' overwhelmingly positive views of the UN intervention and lessons learned.

January 2008 | Peace Briefing by Robert Perito and Jasenka Jocic

Haiti has recently worked to enact the constitution of 1987. However, this document is fraught with ambiguous, perplexing, and legally cumbersome measures.

A scenic street view in Haiti (Credit: USIP Photo/Liz Panarelli)
June 2007 | Peace Briefing by Robert Perito and Greg Maly

At their White House meeting on May 8, 2007, President Bush promised Haitian President Rene Preval that the United States would do more to help Haiti fight drugs and drug traffickers. What is the effect of narcotics trafficking on Haiti's security and stability? What is the nature of U.S. counter-narcotics assistance?

June 2007 | Special Report by Robert M. Perito

Over the past year, Haiti has witnessed the democratic election of a new parliament, the return of relative security, and the first hints of economic recovery. Still, massive problems remain to challenge Haiti and Haiti’s primary international partner, the United States.

December 2006 | Book by Colette Rausch, editor
This path-breaking volume presents broad guidelines and specific prescriptions for combating serious crime in societies emerging from conflict.