U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced a resolution urging urgent action to protect the rights of women and girls in Haiti. The resolution highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Haitian women, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence and their exclusion from leadership roles, despite constitutional requirements for representation.
Currently, no women hold any of the seven voting seats on Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the country's political transition. The resolution criticizes both Haitian authorities and the international community for not adequately addressing women's leadership or their specific needs during this period.
Senator Shaheen stated, “Every day, women and girls in Haiti continue to face record levels of gender-based violence, displacement and unmet health needs. Despite bearing the brunt of Haiti's deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions, they continue to be marginalized and excluded from governing decisions on restoring peace and democracy in their country. As the Transitional Presidential Council's mandate comes to an end, I urge Haiti's leaders, the United States government and the international community to take serious and concrete steps to finally protect the rights of Haitian women and girls and ensure they have a role in shaping their country's future.”
Senator Collins added, “The security and future stability of Haiti depend on protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls and ensuring their meaningful participation in national decision making. Widespread gender-based violence and the exclusion of women from transitional governance undermine efforts to restore order and rebuild democratic institutions. Respect for the human rights of women and girls is essential to Haiti’s recovery and its future.”
“When women and girls are meaningfully included and protected, communities are safer, governments are stronger, and lasting peace is possible,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the Senate to help introduce this bipartisan resolution that reiterates the importance of supporting women and girls around the globe and especially in Haiti. The resolution also rightly condemns the actions taken by the Trump Administration’s Departments of State and Defense for their failures to meet statutory requirements under the Women, Peace, and Security Act and the closure of the Office of Global Women’s Issues at the State Department – efforts that undermine U.S. leadership and weaken stability in Haiti and beyond. There is still much work to be done, but if we can commit to working together to ensure women and girls have a seat at the table, our nations will be better for it."
Senator Murkowski remarked: “Gender-based violence in Haiti has reached crisis levels. The United States has long understood that communities are more stable and resilient when women and girls are able to live free from fear and violence, and that their exclusion carries broader consequences. What we see in Haiti is not isolated. It reflects the threats women and girls face in other areas, including Afghanistan, Sudan, and the dozens of other countries undergoing crises identified by multilateral organizations. This resolution underscores the importance of sustained attention And engagement To ensure That U.S responses To conflict do not overlook The safety And participation Of Women And Girls.”
Carine Jocelyn from Haitian Women’s Collective said: "Working with women-led organizations throughout Haiti has taught us The importance Of ensuring That Women Are engaged as equal partners In The ongoing development Of Haiti For haiti To secure A peaceful And prosperous Future haitian Women must Be among policy makers Government leaders civic leaders And agents Of change And They must Have equitable access To financing We applaud Senators Shaheen Collins Rosen And Murkowski For uplifting The rights Of haitian Women And Girls."
Robert Bank with American Jewish World Service commented: "Women’s rights Are not optional Or secondary But Are essential To peace justice And stability In haiti Senator Shaheen And The cosponsors Of this Resolution recognize That we cannot promote Democracy In haiti If we ignore The systemic discrimination And violence committed Against The nation’s Women And Girls haiti’s Future depends On equity And The full inclusion Of Women In every aspect Of rebuilding This Resolution Is a powerful call To conscience That rightly centers Women's leadership."
Sasha Filippova from Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti added: "The proposed Resolution represents an extraordinary measure Of solidarity With haitian Women And Girls And With haitian civil society U.s senators From both sides Of The aisle Are saying That u.s government haiti's International partners And haiti's transitional Government Are violating Women's Rights nd In The process undermining Their own efforts To establish Peace nd stable Democracy In haiti he senators Have also aligned Their calls For immediate measures With those That have been urged By haitian Women's Rights nd other civil society Leaders - including what almost 200 organizations Have put forward Through The Policy Framework For An Effective nd Equitable Transition."
Conditions for Haitian women have worsened since 2021 due to increasing instability; survivors often lack access to medical care or justice while impunity remains common.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plays a significant role shaping U.S foreign policy through examining treaties legislation since its establishment as one of original standing committees in 1816. Its Ranking Member leads minority members while Chairman leads majority members (source). Throughout history it has supported major initiatives like Truman Doctrine Marshall Plan and rejected treaties such as Versailles.
The new resolution urges centering women's leadership during transitions enforcing constitutional quotas prioritizing protections against gender-based violence reaffirming U.S commitments under global agendas focused on women's safety democratic governance.
