Haiti: Training the next generation to fight corruption

Corruption and related financial crimes occur in various forms in the Caribbean island nation, according to the UN Secretary-General’s regular quarterly report. These include:

• Money laundering
• Financial crime
• Illegal trade in weapons and ammunition
• Financing of armed groups
• Political and business collusion with gangs
• Non-transparent public contracts in the fields of security, customs, immigration and correctional services
• Impunity that enables corruption and organized criminal networks

Learn to choose integrity

Recently, 60 students and young civil society leaders – selected from 180 applicants – took part in the first Anti-Corruption Summer School, organized by the Haitian Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) with support from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.UNODC).

During a week full of lectures, interactive workshops and practical exercises, participants learn how to identify, prevent and report corruption.

Using real-life scenarios, they face ethical dilemmas, deciding whether to report corrupt practices depending on the role assigned to them. They also practice filing complaints via the ULCC anti-corruption hotline (5656), and gain first-hand experience with official reporting mechanisms.

For Adamson Junior Lavéus, the program has been transformative.

“As a citizen, this activity made me understand the phenomenon of corruption through its various forms: extortion, illegal enrichment, misappropriation of public assets, bribery, etc.,” he said in testimony collected by UNODC.

Apart from broadening his knowledge, this training strengthened his belief that everyone has their own role.

“Civic education is vital because it contributes to the empowerment of Haitian society and allows us to build a foundation of moral values.”

The success of this program has sparked strong interest. This year, the second Summer School is being held, attracting hundreds of applicants in just a few days.

Invest in the next generation

For Adrian Banu, UNODCanti-corruption advisor in Haiti, the Summer School is more than just a training program. In a country where more than half of the population is under 25, this represents an investment in the generation that will one day rebuild public institutions.

“This is not work that will have an impact in a year or two,” he said in an interview with UN News. “This is work whose results may not be visible for 20 years, but it is work that can truly bring about major social change.”

This initiative is part of a broader prevention strategy. With UNODC support, around 50 integrity clubs have been formed in schools across Haiti, where students take part in role-playing exercises, short plays and awareness campaigns highlighting the consequences of corruption and the importance of civic responsibility.

“By doing this, the younger generation is developing a true culture of integrity,” stressed Banu.

Strengthening justice

The strategy also focuses on strengthening Haiti’s justice system.

In late May, with UN support, authorities inaugurated two special justice units: one specializing in financial crimes and corruption, and another focused on mass crime, particularly sexual violence. Twenty-five specially trained judges have been appointed to investigate and try these complex cases.

“What can change the situation regarding impunity in Haiti is the creation of a system,” Banu explained. “These justice units are not a magic solution, but rather a solution within a broader system.”

According to him, progress has been seen. Thanks to stronger cooperation between agencies, the ULCC has referred 68 investigative reports to judicial authorities over the past four to five years – more than in the previous 17 years combined.

UNODC also helps strengthen protection for judges, witnesses and whistleblowers in settings where gang violence makes investigations particularly dangerous.

The agency supports the development of legislation to better protect those who report corruption.

“When there was someone before me who wanted to spill the beans, the first question that came up was: ‘How can you protect me if I share something sensitive with you?’” recalled Mr. Banu, a former police investigator in Romania.

Protecting judges remains another priority. Measures such as increasing courthouse security and providing specialized equipment are being considered, although no safeguards can completely eliminate the risks posed by Haiti’s current security situation.

Long term commitment

For Banu, eradicating corruption is ultimately a long-term effort. Young people trained today can become tomorrow’s leaders, helping to build institutions based on transparency, accountability and integrity.

Drawing on more than thirteen years of anti-corruption experience, he points to Romania as proof that change is possible.

“Thirty years ago, corruption was much more common there,” he said. Although challenges remain, the country’s anti-corruption system is “working”.

That experience underlies his optimism about Haiti.

“Progress – I think this is possible, even in Haiti.”