Petition Description:
We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the Haitian people in condemning the unconstitutional formation and actions of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). Established on April 12, 2024, and sworn in on April 25, 2024, at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, the TPC was elected by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) without the consent or approval of the Haitian population. Formed amid a crisis involving a violent siege of the capital. The TPC’s stated purpose is to facilitate elections and establish a new government. However, the Haitian people views the council as illegitimate, alleging it collaborates with gang leaders, recently designated as terrorists by the U.S. Department of State, to destabilize the nation.

Unconstitutional amendment:                                                                               The TPC’s attempt to amend Haiti’s 1987 Constitution (revised 2012) is a blatant violation of the constitutional framework. According to Article 284-1, constitutional amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament before ratification by the National Assembly. Furthermore, Article 284-3 explicitly states that “general or sectorial referendums to amend the Constitution are strictly forbidden.” Any attempt by the TPC to bypass these provisions, including through a referendum or other means, is unconstitutional and undermines Haiti’s sovereignty. Compounding this issue, the TPC released the proposed amendments in French, a language less accessible to the vast majority of Haitians who primarily speak and understand Haitian Creole. This decision severely limits the public’s ability to engage with the proposal, undermining meaningful participation. Additionally, the TPC has imposed a restrictive deadline of June 21, 2025, for the public to submit input, further marginalizing the Haitian population and disregarding their right to a transparent and inclusive process.

Exclusion of the Haitian Diaspora:                                                                    The TPC’s actions also exclude the Haitian diaspora, a vital component of Haiti’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. The diaspora, often referred to as the backbone of Haiti, contributes significantly through remittances, expertise, and global advocacy. Their exclusion from the constitutional amendment process is a grave oversight, as their experience, knowledge, and skills are essential for the restructuring and revitalization of the Republic. Denying the diaspora a voice in this critical moment disrespects their contributions and undermines the potential for a unified, inclusive effort to rebuild Haiti.

Only Elected Government can Amend Haiti’s constitution:                                 Haiti’s constitution mandates that only a democratically elected government, accountable to the people, can address critical matters such as constitutional reform. The TPC’s actions violate the legal protocols outlined in the constitution, and the Haitian people unequivocally reject its authority to act on their behalf, particularly in amending the constitution.

Call to Action:
We urge the international community, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and CARICOM, to:

Recognize the TPC’s lack of constitutional legitimacy and withdraw support for its actions.
Support the Haitian people’s demand for a constitutionally elected government to oversee elections and constitutional matters in accordance with Articles 284-1 and 284-3.
Condemn the TPC’s attempt to amend Haiti’s constitution in violation of its explicit prohibition on referendums and without public consent, in a language inaccessible to most Haitians.
Encourage any future constitutional reform process adheres to Haiti’s 1987 Constitution, is conducted in Haitian Creole, includes the Haitian diaspora, and provides adequate time for inclusive public participation.
Facilitate transparent, inclusive, and secure democratic processes in Haiti to restore stability and sovereignty.

By signing this petition, you stand with the Haitian people in their fight for self-determination, democratic governance, and the preservation of their constitutional integrity. Together, we can amplify their voices and demand justice for Haiti.

Target Audience:

United Nations (UN)
Organization of American States (OAS)
Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
U.S. Department of State
Haitian Diaspora and Global Human Rights Advocates

Petition Goal:
To collect signatures to pressure international bodies and governments to support Haiti’s constitutional framework, halt the TPC’s unconstitutional actions, ensure constitutional reform processes adhere to Articles 284-1 and 284-3, are accessible in Haitian Creole, include the Haitian diaspora, and establish a legitimate, elected government.

Reference to Haitian Constitution:
The full text of Haiti’s 1987 Constitution (revised 2012) is available in English and French through Georgetown University’s Political Database of the Americas:

Link: Haiti 1987 Constitution (revised 2012)

Article 284-1: “The initiative for constitutional amendments is the responsibility of the Executive Power or one of the two Houses of the Legislature. The proposal must be approved by a two-thirds majority of each of the two Houses before being submitted to the National Assembly for ratification.”
Article 284-3: “General or sectorial referendums to amend the Constitution are strictly forbidden.”