On 3 August 2018, the Human Rights office of MINUJUSTH launched the project “Community intervention oriented to LGBTI persons” in Port-au-Prince, Haiti capital. Funded by the Mission, the six-month project will be implemented in Haiti’s West, South, and Artibonite Departments by the NGO Kouraj Pou Pwoteje Dwa Moun (Courage to Protect Human Rights), or KPPDM. President of the “Kouraj” movement and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) activist in Haiti, Charlot Jeudy shared his enthusiasm for this new project with MINUJUSTH but also his fears for the future of the “M” community (for masisi, “gay” and madivin, “lesbian” in Haitian creole).

“We have a lot of hope in this project,” explained Charlot Jeudy, President of the Haitian LGBTI NGO Kouraj. “Of course, times are difficult now in Haiti. The country faces a social, political and economic crisis. But, through MINUJUSTH, we understand the international community’s commitment and support. It’s a way to show that they are on the side of justice, to promote principles and values like non-discrimination, equality, human dignity and universal rights.”

With the aim to reduce discrimination against members of the LGBTI community, Kouraj will carry out 20 sensitization workshops with community members and provide training to 30 NGOs on how to fight homophobia and the means to promote tolerance, equality and security. The project will also provide psychological support and employment assistance to 20 LGBTI youth rejected by their families.

“In total, this project will help more than 3,000 community members – one third of whom women,” explained Charlot Jeudy, addingthat “the situation in Haiti is worrisome, particularly considering recent developments involving the Government and courts, and with street violence cases that are reported.”

This partnership with MINUJUSTH encourages us to keep fighting, find new allies and network more.”