Port-au-Prince, Haiti—To mark the International Day of Peace 2018, UPF-Haiti inaugurated the national chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). The event, whose theme was “The Role of Government, Parliament, Civil Society, and Faith Organizations to Achieve Lasting Peace in Haiti” took place on September 21 at the Marriott Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

Eighty people, including deputy Caleb Desrameaux, vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Haitian Parliament and eight other deputies as well as a senator attended the inaugural assembly.

"The Republic of Haiti is an unstable country, which [has experienced] violence from time to time. What's more [natural, then,] to inaugurate a chapter of the IAPP, "said senator Patrice Dumont. Mr. Dumont added: "By joining the IAPP, Haitian parliamentarians [are showing that they] want to contribute to building a world of peace. In the face of global disorder, we must be able to provide answers; Haitian parliamentarians are resolutely committed to [addressing] all [challenges].”

Deputy Patrick Norzeus, president of the IAPP-Haiti, urged all the decision makers and leaders present to work for universal peace, democracy and good governance. "Democracy is the most practiced form of governance in the world. You are servants of the people; you must serve the public good, demonstrate good governance, and be transparent. Those who hold positions of power must be of good character. Religion and moral principles and values are an important factor.”

Eight deputies and one senator were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace, and the parliamentarians signed the declaration inaugurating the IAPP in Haiti.