Press Release

Presentation of the 2006 Report on International Religious Freedom

September 21, 2006
No. 2006/62

On September 14, 2006, the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince presented the 2006 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship.  The goal of this report is to increase awareness of religious intolerance throughout the world – regardless of belief – and thereby prevent persecution of those who worship freely.  The right to worship according to one’s own beliefs is a basis for the founding of the United States of America, and it is a critical issue in the fight for democracy and respect for human rights throughout the world under the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Haitian government received high marks on the subject of freedom of worship.  Religious freedom, provided that its practice does not threaten law and order, is protected by the Haitian Constitution, and the report found that the Government of Haiti respected and protected this right in practice.  There were no findings of imprisonment or detention on religious grounds, or reports of forced conversion.  The report noted further that Haitian officials had made more efforts to be inclusive of all religions in public events and in advisory positions to the government. 

Foreign missionaries have a strong presence in Haiti, and are a vital part of humanitarian efforts in the country.  Other than the security concerns which affect all those residing in Haiti, missionaries have not been persecuted or restricted by the government and are treated about the same as domestic religious organizations in the eyes of the government.  The United States will continue to discuss religious freedom as part of its efforts to collaborate with the Government of Haiti on supporting respect for human rights throughout the country.  In addition, the Embassy will continue to work closely with members of civil society, including religious groups, to support Haiti’s evolution towards stable, peaceful democracy.

The annual Report on International Religious Freedom is submitted to Congress by the Department of State in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act, and highlights areas of focus throughout the world.  A copy of the Haiti Report on International Religious Freedom is available on the U.S. Embassy’s Web site http://haiti.usembassy.gov/.  The French version will be available shortly.

 

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