Defenders Plus,  Haitian organization for the promotion and defense of human rights, stands in solidarity with the victims of the tragic event that occurred in Canaan, in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets, on Saturday, August 26th, 2023. It expresses its deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the dozens of individuals who were violently assassinated and massacred by armed individuals during the protest march initiated by Pastor Marcorel ZIDOR.

Faced with this unbearable tragedy caused by the lack of prudence on the part of the religious leader, Pastor Marcorel ZIDOR, and the negligence of the local authorities, Defenders Plus calls for unity and mobilization of all citizens to demand justice for the victims. We urge the families of the victims to join Defenders Plus  in a joint effort to assert their rights and seek justice and reparations. In this regard, we strongly encourage the families of the victims to report the names of their relatives to human rights organizations in order to take legal action against those responsible, both individuals and authorities, so that light can be shed on this appalling event.

Furthermore, Defenders Plus  encourages the families of the victims to consider joining as civil parties in a collective complaint before the prosecuting authorities. By uniting our voices and efforts, we strengthen our ability to hold the perpetrators and accomplices of these heinous acts accountable and demand justice for the victims. Defenseurs Plus advocating for human rights also commits to actively supporting the families of the victims throughout this challenging process. Together, we aspire to create positive change and ensure that such acts of violence do not go unpunished.

Defenders Plus invites the media, civil society organizations, and the international community to join our call for justice and solidarity towards the victims of the Canaan tragedy. This tragedy, which claimed the lives of several unarmed individuals, highlights the extent to which the collapse of the state is confirmed and the current government’s inability to protect the population. Additionally, Defenders Plus urges citizens to mobilize for a return to institutional normalcy in the country in order to bring  structural solutions to the security crisis.