Raymond Lamarre, spokesman of the police component of the Minustah (UNPol), said yesterday that as part of its support for strengthening the operational capacities of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), UNPOL has launched a new training program for some 300 agents who will work in correctional facilities in Haiti. Germany, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, the United States, Senegal, Sweden and Zimbabwe contribute to the achievement of this training.

The training lasting 5 weeks, which began last week, will allow to the candidates to get in their learning, the knowledge that will meet the many challenges that they will have to face. The training modules concerning the safety of prisons, the use of force, searches, the movement of prisoners, the survey methods in the fight against smuggling and the crisis management in prisons.

"We are aware that the prisoners, although in conflict with the law, deserve special attention, particularly in the area of respect for human rights. Thus, the agents of the 17 prison facilities of the country, will receive a training that specifically addresses the human rights. Moreover, stakeholders specializing in psychology and nutrition, will complement these modules."

This academic training is part of the UN mandate which consists, among other things, to the strengthening of the operational and institutional capabilities of the PNH, and of course, to improve the detention conditions of prisoners.

S/ HaitiLibre / Minustah