Several years ago, I got my “big break”. I wanted to work in human rights but an international law career seemed completely out of reach for an African American woman from upstate New York.

My prayers and hopes were answered.  A small human rights organization needed an entry level attorney.  The organization, the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux, serviced clients from victims’ organizations that were created as a result of the Haitian coup d’etat from 1991-1994 and the ensuing human rights violations.   From the beginning, a man named Lovinsky Pierre Antoine stood out to me.  He had a calm resolute presence, although the world around him could be dangerous and chaotic.

A psychologist who spoke five languages, Lovinsky was abused during the 1991 military coup d’etat. Witnessing the widespread victimization, he and others formed an organization called Trant Septamn or the September 30th organization.  Named after the date of the coup against Aristide in 1991, the group vigilantly pursued justice for the victims.  When Aristide was restored to Haiti, the group began to mobilize and demand justice for murder, rape, and torture by the military and paramilitary forces.  Although Lovinsky and the other members of Trant Septamn were supporters of Aristide’s party Lavalas, they still held a weekly protest demanding justice.  This perseverance sustained the political will to prosecute the top military and paramilitary leaders for atrocities.

Lovinsky always took a hard principled stance, and railed against the economic and political elite for their disdain of the poor. He was very critical of US policies against Haiti, and also held Haitian civil society to a high standard.  

Lovinsky came to DC in 2004 after being threatened by former military thugs.  He continued to speak truth to power as voice for the Haitian poor. When democracy was restored, Lovinsky was determined returned to Haiti.  I understood why, but I was afraid for his safety.  One day in Union Station, I sat with him and talked about his imminent return.  He was unwavering.  “The Haitian people deserve leaders that will stick by them.” he said

Upon his return, Lovinsky witnessed the aftermath of the interim government and the occupation of the UN troops.  For many living in the slums of Port au Prince, the UN had not brought stability and in fact, had been implicated in countless shootings and harassment. In a world where we need more collective approaches, criticizing the UN was a difficult matter.  Lovinsky persisted; the woes of the international community were always heaped on Haiti. He would not stay quiet, and began to entertain a run for the Haitian Senate in the upcoming elections.

On the evening of August 12, 2007, the day after meeting with a U.S. delegation investigating human rights violations, Lovinsky received a call at home.  Whoever it was, the call prompted him to leave his house, and he has not been seen since.  All the appropriate Haiti, UN and US agencies were contacted, however, over a year later, an investigation has barely begun. Undoubtedly, Lovinsky’s disappearance has had a chilling effect on grassroots political activity.

Kidnapping has become an epidemic in Haiti. However, this case clearly has a political angle that must be addressed.  I remain a strong supporter of Haitian democracy.  It is because I support that I believe justice must be pursued and delivered for Lovinsky. In the last year, the Haitian democracy that Lovinsky fought for has failed him and his family at his most critical hour.  The rule of law which must come with Democracy has ignored Lovinsky and hundreds of others who have disappeared. Benchmarks must be met on the part of the UN and Haitian governments to ensure that this case is properly investigated even as the trail grows cold.  Lovinsky represents the common man all over the world who longs for freedom.  He represents us all. We cannot stand by and tolerate this for him or his comrades.

Nicole C. Lee is the Executive Director of TransAfrica Forum