By RIEL MAJOR
Tribune Staff Reporter
rmajor@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is “deeply concerned” by comments attributed to a United Nations official regarding claims of violence and abuse by law enforcement officers towards Haitian migrants as reported by a local newspaper.
In a press statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the remarks attributed to Ravina Shamdasani, the deputy spokesperson from the UN Human Rights Office, are disturbing for a number of reasons, mainly because the remarks appeared in the local press before being made to the government.
Last week, The Nassau Guardian reported that Ravina Shamdasani, the deputy spokesperson from the UN Human Rights Office, said another official recently visited The Bahamas to verify “worrying” claims of “violence and abuse”.
Ms Shamdasani told the newspaper that Abu Al Zulof’s visit included a trip to Abaco, where he visited shelters and other areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian and interviewed many people.
In response yesterday, the ministry said it “is deeply concerned that a UN official would report to the media regarding matters of such gravity without having the courtesy first to inform the government and allow the government the opportunity to provide a response.”
The statement added: “The ministry considers the behaviour of (Ravina Shamdasani) not to be in keeping with the way in which a UN official should conduct (herself). Furthermore, it calls into question the impartial, balanced, neutral and ethical manner normally employed by the UN when it investigates allegations of alleged abuse or alleged human rights violations.
“The Bahamas government is deeply appreciative of the support provided by the United Nations system during both the relief and recovery stages of Hurricane Dorian. The UN continues to have a strong presence in The Bahamas, providing invaluable technical support and advice.
“The Bahamas is committed to working with the UN in a transparent, frank and constructive manner as we together seek to rebuild the communities adversely impacted and to restore the livelihoods of thousands of citizens and residents as a result of Hurricane Dorian,” the statement added.
The ministry has scheduled a meeting next week with all UN agencies on the ground and looks forward to a productive outcome.
Comments
stoner 4 years, 4 months ago
Personally speaking, the Bahamians and the Turks and Caicos Islanders treat the Haitian population like animals and I have seen it with my own eyes having lived there and witnessed it first hand.They come to their home late at night pull everyone out of bed,women,children and men and burn their shanty down with no respect and I mean NO respect for humanity.Don't give me that shit about treating Haitians in a humane way.It is not the case.I wish the hell I could go to the UN officials and have some of these police force put behind bars.T & C is the worst.God almighty,please have officials from the UN check out the way the locals treat the Haitians.Just like animals and even worst.You not want a dog to be treated like this.
pileit 4 years, 4 months ago
Absolute rubbish, "stoner" seems to explain your thought process. Anyone caught illegally gets due process and sent packing. Are they going to say "yeah I came in here under the dark of night, and was treated really great"? Of course not. Further, if you're treated like "animals" why they still here? There's a free plane ride back to Utopia whenever they want to go. Enough with this mealy-mouthed drivel.
BigSlick 4 years, 4 months ago
idiot
stoner 4 years, 4 months ago
They get due process my ass.They are treated more like or less like an animal would be.They are human beings and may not look like other Bahamians but they are your ancestors who initially came from Africa via the slave trade.Go back to Haiti and they will starve.Just take a ,long hard look at these people who were living in March Harbour and the Abacos Islands.I saw pictures that were taken just after the hurricane.They were treated less than an animal.I will send a copy to the Human Right Office of the United Nations.This will prove a point.Why do you think most or all the white people left your country when you became independent.I was there. It was a mad exit and took their capital with them.You had to eat crow for awhile because you thought the Govt was going to feed you. BULL.The crime went very high.Look at the criminal activity now/90 plus murders a year for a small population.I can see why the USA will not remove their warning to travellers to your beautiful Islands.
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