From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: HAITI: DELEGATES NEEDED FOR OAS MISSION
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 04:09:55 GMT

/** reg.carib: 329.0 **/
** Topic: HAITI: OCT-NOV DELEGATES NEEDED **
** Written  5:34 pm  Oct  3, 1992 by worth in cdp:reg.carib **
The Coalition for Civilian Observers in Haiti (CCOH), an emergency committee
working to facilitate, organize and coordinate civilian observer missions to
Haiti, issues this urgent call to the international community to send
observers NOW, to amplify the effects of the OAS mission by vastly
increasing the number of international observers.

Washington Office on Haiti, Witness for Peace, Chicago Religious Task Force,
Pax Christi USA and others are organizing delegations for October and
November.  CCOH proposes to (1) provide delegations with contacts and
schedules in Haiti to provide maximum coverage, especially in the countryside;
(2) facilitate sharing of information and ideas; (3) publish joint reports or
summaries and build a steady flow of information about current conditions; and
(4) review, over the span of several delegations, controversial policy issues
such as the embargo, refugee repatriation, in-country asylum procedures, etc.

WHAT IS CCOH ASKING PEOPLE TO DO?
To be active supporters of the Haitian people's struggle to end violent
military repression and restore their legitimate democracy.  Specifically,
CCOH is asking you to:
        1.  Join a delegation to Haiti, or form one of your own and coordinate with CCOH for maximum effect.  People are especially needed NOW, in October and
November.
        2.  Contribute to our Civilian Observers Project Fund to help with
administrative costs.
        3.  Tell others to think about joining this effort.  As Aristide said
in "Haiti: Killing the Dream" (Rudi Stern et al film run on PBS 9/29), it's
not just a question of democracy in Haiti, but democracy everywhere.

WHO SHOULD GO?
Everyone who can -- the goal is to swell the number of North American observers
in Haiti substantially over the next three months.  Such a presence is expected
to have dissuasive effects on repression and violation of human rights in Haiti.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO, AND FOR HOW LONG?
As soon as possible -- the first goal is to have a continuing presence of 5
observers in each of Haiti's 9 geographical departments, with steadily
increasing numbers throughout October and November.  Trips of one to two
weeks will be most common, with longer stays whenever possible, but even a
few days will help.

WHAT DOES A TRIP COST?
Organizing groups determine their own cost structures, but in general, trips
are inexpensive.  Besides airfare to/from Port-au-Prince, allow about $25 per
day for guest house lodging and meals, plus in-country transportation costs,
$20 exit tax, and miscellaneous expenses.  Washington Office on Haiti's
experience is that a one-week trip costs between $330 and $450, plus airfare.

If you can't afford this, ask people to help you -- perhaps you could raise the
money through contributions, funa fund-raising event (film, yard sale, dinner),
and individual sponsors.  Remember that some business travellers accumulate
more frequent flier miles than they can use -- maybe someone could give you
your ticket.  (American Airlines is the only US carrier flying at present.
Haiti TransAir flies some weekdays from Miami and ALM from New York -- check
schedules/costs.)

WHY IS THIS SUCH A LAST-MINUTE APPEAL?
Because it is an emergency.  The surprising reduction of the long-promised
OAS civilian observer mission from 400-500 people to 18 people requires an
urgent response from the non-governmental international community to stand
beside the Haitian people.

Washington Office on Haiti is organizing October and November delegations now.
For further information, please FAX your name, address, work & home phone
numbers to (202) 547-9382, or leave a message at (703) 522-3818.
** End of text from cdp:reg.carib **

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