On November 18, 2024, several Haitian organizations and personalities, in Haiti and in the diaspora, met to vote on the statutes consecrating the birth of a new Organization called KOLEKTIF AYISYEN AFWO DESANDAN. The acronym is KAAD.
The Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan is created to allow Haiti to have an official presence in reviving the struggle of Afro-descendants around the world, and to effectively lead the struggle for Justice and Reparations for the ransom imposed on Haiti by France.
KAAD was founded following the high-profile participation of a group Haitians at the Third Forum of Afro-descendant Peoples held in Geneva, Switzerland, held April 16 – 19, 2024, by the UN for the revival of the debate on debt owed to Haiti.
This group’s presence and participation at the plenary sessions and various workshops to spotlight Haiti in the reparations debate was covered by the international press.
What is the origin of this collective?
The Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan is the result of a pooling of energies of Haitian representatives following a consensus-based methodology in preparation and participation at the forum organized in Geneva. This positive experience made it possible to recognize the need to implement a permanent structure capable of bringing together many more Haitians, on the one hand, to have a common perspective on the question of justice – reparations, in particular; and on the other hand, to highlight the contribution of Haiti in the global struggle of Afro-descendants, following our historical fight for universal freedom.
What is the project of KAAD (Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan)?
It is essentially based on two main pillars:
1. To contribute to the work of educating all Haitians on the history of the debt imposed by France. And to develop in our communities the ability to join the struggle for Reparations and Justice;
2. To link the specific struggles of Haitian people and all Afro-descendants against all forms of prejudice and racism suffered throughout the world.
Mission
Objectives
Organize the participation of Haitian civil society and its diaspora in defending Haiti's rights and seeking reparations.
Organize forums and research on people of African descent.
Conduct public education activities on the Haitian public's rights to reparations and their belonging to the Afro-descendant peoples.
Ensure organized follow-up on the implementation of the conclusions and recommendations adopted during meetings at the forum of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of Afro-descendant and other decisions in favor of Haiti by multilateral and international organizations.
Serve as a permanent bridge with the various United Nations bodies and international organizations involved in defending people of Afro-descendant.
Make the voice of Haitian civil society and its diaspora heard at all levels of advocacy and consultation for people of African descent.
Help organize the participation of Haitian civil society in various forums on the topic of Afro-descendants, particularly reparations and restitution.
Participate in the fight against racism.
Discuss and potentially undertake activities with citizen groups engaged in any struggle aimed at promoting the dignity of Afro-descendants.
To carry out its activities, KAAD relies on the contributions of its members and the solidarity of individuals and organizations that share its vision and commitment.
KAAD Coordinating Council
Dr. Jemima Pierre, Secretary General
Yrvy Frenel, Treasurer
Monique Clesca, Spokesperson
Dr. Marie E. Lemy, Communications Chair
Rodolphe Mathurin, Coordinator
Jocelyn McCalla, advisor
Yvens Rumbold, advisor
