Haiti is an island nation in the Caribbean, with a direct border with the Dominican Republic. Besides, the nearest neighbors in the sea are Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas. The population of this country is approx 1,13,34,000 with 27,800 square kilometers area. 87% are Christians, 10% do not believe in any religion. Ethnically 95% black. Official languages are French and Haitian Creole.
Haiti's constitution provides a list of state assets, and Haitian airspace is declared as a Haitian asset. It is not in the constitution of many countries of the world. As long as law and order is not disturbed, there is freedom to practice any religion.
It is clearly mentioned in the constitution that the duties and rights of everyone are parallel. For example, whether you listen to Michael Jackson or Lalon Shah songs, it is your right to choose. But you can't disturb others by creating noise pollution by playing music on loud speakers.
These are positive aspects. Now let's discuss the negative aspects.
Police are not capable of entering inside of the educational institution without the permission of the supervisor of that institution. Is it another sovereign state within the state? According to the constitution, the oath must be taken in the name of God. Not everyone believes in religion. More than that, the responsibility of public representatives is towards the people.
Admirable Articles of Haiti's Constitution
First Article
Haiti is an indivisible, sovereign, independent, free, democratic and unified Republic.
Article 8
The territory of the Haitian Republic comprises:
a. the western part of the island of Haiti and the adjacent island of La Gonave, La Tortue, I’Ile a Vache, les Cayemittes, La Navase, La Grande Caye and the other islands of the Territorial Sea;
b. it is bounded on the east by the Dominican Republic, on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south and west by the Caribbean Sea or Sea of the Antilles;
c. the air space over the land sea of the Republic.
Article 21
The crime of high treason consists in bearing arms in a foreign army against the Republic, serving a foreign nation in a conflict with the Republic, in any official’s stealing state property, entrusted to his management, or any violation of the Constitution by those responsible for enforcing it.
Article 30
All religions and faiths shall be freely exercised. Everyone is entitled to profess his religion and practice his faith, provided the exercise of that right does not disturb law and order.
Article 30-1
No one may be compelled to belong to a religious organization or to follow a religious teaching contrary to his convictions.
Article 30-2
The law establishes the conditions for recognition and practice of religions and faiths.
Article 35-4
Unions are essentially nonpolitical, nonprofit, and nondenominational. No one may be forced to join a union.
Article 52
Citizenship entails civic duties. Every right is counterbalanced by a corresponding duty.
Article 52-1
Civic duties are the citizen’s moral, political, social and economic obligations as a whole to the State and the country. These obligations are:
a. to respect the Constitution and the national emblem;
b. to respect the laws;
c. to vote in elections without constraint;
d. to pay his taxes;
e. to serve on a jury;
f. to defend the country in the event of war;
g. to educate and improve himself;
h. to respect and protect the environment;
i. to respect scrupulously the revenues and properties of the State;
j. to respect the property of others;
k. to work to maintain peace;
l. to provide assistance to persons in danger;
m. to respect the rights and freedom of others.
Article 52-2
Failure to abide by these provisions shall be punishable by law.
Article 100
Sessions of the National Assembly are public. However, they may be held in closed session at the request of five (5) members, and the resumption of public sessions shall then be decided by an absolute majority.
Article 103
The Legislature has its seat in Port-au-Prince. However, depending on the circumstances, this seat may be transferred elsewhere to the same place and at the same time as that of the Executive Power.
Facts of Haiti's Constitution
Article 34
Except where perpetrators of crimes are caught in the act, the premises of educational establishments are inviolable. No police forces may enter them except with the permission of the supervisors of those establishments.
Article 135-1
Before taking office, the President of the Republic shall take the following oath before the National Assembly: “I swear before God and the Nation faithfully to observe and enforce the Constitution and the laws of the Republic, to respect and cause to be respected the rights of the Haitian people, to work for the greatness of the country, and to maintain the nation’s independence and the integrity of its territory”.
Article 180-1
Sentences may not be delivered in closed session in cases of political offenses or offenses involving the press.
Article 187
Members of the High Court of Justice serve on an individual bases, and no opening proceedings, take the following oath;
“I swear before God and before the Nation to judge with the impartiality and the firmness appropriate to an honest and free man, according to my conscience and my deep-seated conviction”.
