Sak vid pa kanp - "An empty sack cannot stand up"

We started our day traveling to the National Human Rights Defense Network, affectionately known as RNDDH. In french this non-profit, non-governmental organization is called Reseau National de Defense des Droits Humains. There we spoke with Pierre Esperance, Executive Director, about human rights and politics in Haiti. Unlike most of the Haitians we met so far all of his answers were short and sweet, a sign of the demanding nature of his job.

Our team asked insightful questions about the nature of human rights advocacy and the structure of politics and government currently "controlling" the nation. One statement that stood out to us was in response to the question "Of all of the human rights issues that this organization deals with, which do you believe is the most important in Haiti?" His answer was very simply "All of them."

The issues that this organization deals with directly include:

• Domestic violence
• Rights of prisoners
• Corruption
• Government impunity
• Education
• Access to potable water

The issue of human trafficking was one that they have discussed with partner organizations, but do not deal with directly. To think that someone with that much influence would take time out of his obviously hectic schedule to discuss the work RNDDH does showed us how important it is for Americans to be well-informed about the circumstances of human rights in Haiti. He ended the discussion with some advice for us as we move out of college and into our careers. He suggested that we enter our different fields of work and if we find that we have something to offer Haiti then do something about it. 

We also were able to visit CAH and the Apparent Project where we were able to use our newly exchanged gourde to buy souvenirs from local artisans. For those of you who supported our fundraiser, the Apparent Project supplied the bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and ornaments that you bought. It was a good day.

Na we! (See ya!)

Valerie and Aiyana