Canada announced additional sanctions on three prominent Haitian businessmen on Thursday, reportedly in response to corruption and other destabilizing factors in Haiti.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry issued a statement outlining the sanctions on Marc Antoine Acra, Carl Braun and Jean-Marie Vorbe. These individuals, in addition to their business roles, have alleged links to corruption that have further exacerbated the turmoil in Haiti.
Canada maintains the position that these men are contributing to Haitian violence and instability through corruption, criminal acts, and by enabling the illegal activities of armed gangs. Consequently, under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, these individuals will be deemed inadmissible to Canada, effectively prohibiting their entry into the country, as well as barring them from engaging in business dealings or financial transactions with Canadian entities.
This move is part of Canada’s response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti, which is characterized by a rise in violent incidents, including kidnappings and instances of sexual violence. Human Rights Watch reports that the Haitian government is allegedly failing to protect its citizens, with both political officials and members of the police force rumored to be collaborating with criminal gangs.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed similar concerns regarding the crisis earlier this year, warning of a never-ending cycle of violence in Haiti. According to the UN’s quarterly report on the country’s human rights situation, armed gangs have taken control of essential resources and kidnappings have become commonplace.
Notably, amidst this crisis, some business sectors, including finance and energy, are reportedly profiting significantly from the chaotic environment, with allegations of contributing to a self-serving, corruption-ridden economy, according toresearch.