Political Transition in Haiti: Défenseurs Plus Denounces Exclusion of Women and Youth from Inter-Haitian Dialogue

As the political deadline of February 7, 2026, marking the end of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), approaches, the Défenseurs Plus Collective raises its voice. In a press release published on February 4, 2026, the human rights promotion and defense organization severely criticizes the conduct of the ongoing political dialogue process and denounces the persistent marginalization of women and youth. The Collective states that it is following « with sustained attention » initiatives aimed at defining the future of national governance, particularly the « inter-Haitian dialogue » organized at the Montana hotel from February 1 to 3, 2026. However, it expresses deep indignation at the almost total absence of these two major components of society in the discussion spaces. According to Défenseurs Plus, this exclusion is neither accidental nor a simple organizational malfunction. On the contrary, it constitutes a direct violation of several constitutional provisions. The organization specifically cites Article 17.1 of the Constitution, which enshrines the principle of a quota of at least 30% women at all levels of national life, as well as Article 31.1, guaranteeing freedom of association and political engagement without discrimination. « One cannot claim to resolve a multidimensional crisis by reproducing the patterns of exclusion that caused it. A dialogue without women and youth is a dialogue without a future, » the Collective asserts in its statement, believing that these discussions risk transforming into closed circles, disconnected from the aspirations of the majority of the population. Given the urgency of stabilizing the country and restoring constitutional order, Défenseurs Plus calls on the CPT and political actors involved in the negotiations to correct course. The organization demands the immediate integration of representatives from women's organizations and youth leaders into the negotiation commissions, strict adherence to the 30% quota for women in any post-February 7 transitional body, as well as a refocusing of discussions on creating secure and technical conditions for the organization of free, fair, and democratic general elections. For the Collective, the credibility and legitimacy of the transition depend on its ability to reflect the diversity of Haitian society. « We will remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the rights of every citizen to be respected in the construction of a just and democratic Haiti, » concludes the note, signed by Ulrick Tintin, Head of Legal Affairs for the Défenseurs Plus Collective. The editorial team