Justice
In Haiti, many prisoners face long waits without trial for minor offenses or wrongful accusations.
In April 2016, the Haiti ARISE Bureau D'Assistance Judicaiarire opened its doors with a powerful ministry — to give a voice to those who would otherwise go unheard. By providing legal representation to individuals accused of petty crimes, the office offers them a chance to stand before a judge, share their story, and receive a fair and timely trial—restoring dignity and hope where it’s often been lost.
We helped 87 prisoners our first year—75 were freed.
Justice brings hope, and we are committed to restoring both, one life at a time.
A young man’s typical teenage mistake landed him in a cramped, unsanitary prison cell with 70 others. Visits from our church inspired us to start a prison ministry—bringing food, clothing, songs, and Scripture.
From Prison Visits to Justice Restored
Our Legal Team & Staff
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25:35 -36
Jean Sylvio's Story
A few years ago, Jean Sylvio—a young man from our church—found himself behind bars after a moment of teenage misjudgment. For one month, he endured the harsh conditions of Petit Goave prison, crammed into a cell with 70 others where food, hygiene, and sanitation were nearly nonexistent. As our church visited to bring food, clothing, songs, and hope, God used Jean Sylvio’s situation to stir something deeper in our hearts. His story became the spark that ignited our prison ministry—reaching beyond the walls to bring dignity, compassion, and the message of hope to countless others.
Legal aid in Haiti operates under challenging conditions. Cases vary widely, with some requiring jury trials and others not—but in both situations, the state is responsible for covering the costs. Lawyers determine how many cases they can take on, often working long hours, sometimes until 2 a.m., to ensure representation. There are typically two major criminal sessions each year. During these sessions, defendants are brought to court as early as 8 a.m. and are left without food or water all day. If it weren’t for our legal team stepping in to provide bread and water, many would go without anything. Defendants come from across the country, and once freed, the lawyer’s role ends—leaving individuals with no money, transportation, or support system to help them reintegrate. We want to help them.
"Prisons should be for punishment, rehabilitation and transformation,
but in Haiti it’s just punishment."
Bureau D'Assistance Judicaiarire
# of case since May 2016 - November 2024
Number of cases recorded 1,048 (952 Male, 96 Female)
Cases processed 1,010 (915 Male, 95 Female)
People released 616 (526 Male, 90 Female)
People convicted 293 (290 Male, 3 Female)
Cases still in progress 77 (76 Male, 1 Female)
People who escaped 6 (6 Male, 0 Female)
People deceased 8 (8 Male, 0 Female)
Cases dismissed 10 (9 Male, 1 Female)
(no further action)
Our work on the ground continues today.
Join our efforts.
A Story of Transformation
"February 28, 2023 is a day I will never forget. It was the day I was set free from prison." - Jeff Saint Clair
Partner with Our Bureau D'Assistance Judicaiarire
If you’re a lawyer, legal professional, or part of a justice organization, we invite you to partner with us in strengthening the rule of law and restoring hope through justice in Haiti. Our Justice Assistance Office provides legal aid, advocacy, and education—helping families resolve disputes, protect their rights, and pursue fair outcomes. Your partnership helps expand access to legal resources, train local leaders, and promote integrity and accountability within communities. Join us in empowering Haitians with the tools and support they need to build a more just and equitable future.
