The common people are suffering while the Haitian military and elite prosper under the UN-imposed sanctions. They consider many aspects of US policy to be contributing to the crisis. The 1977 Annual Conference statement on Justice and Nonviolence guides us as we assess our duty to act. No person is created for poverty, but all are born to a full place at the table.
Government is to rule with justice for every person.
We deplore imprisonment for nonviolent opposition to a government and all forms of repression, torture, censorship, and discrimination. Recent actions by the Clinton Administration to rework its failed Haiti policy prove that citizen action by individuals, churches, and solidarity groups can effect significant changes in US foreign policy. The stated policy shift by Washington has not changed the daily reality of violence and terror in Haiti as the military consolidates its power. Now we fear that a decision in favor of US military intervention may be imminent. The gospel of Jesus Christ compels us as an historic peace church to oppose the use of any kind of military assault on Haiti and urge the US and the UN to apply nonviolent, diplomatic and judicial initiatives rather than attempt to restore democracy and human rights in Haiti through violent means.