The Haitian news and information Web site Haiti Libre reported that Haiti’s First Lady, Sophia Martelly, has issued the following statement regarding the closure of the Son of God Orphanage in Carrefour, Haiti. The full statement is posted on her Facebook page.

The First Lady expresses all her indignation of mother, before the inhuman treatment and the shameful exploitation of the innocence of children by individuals dishonest and immoral, not respecting the laws and conventions in force.

Sophia Martelly, while welcoming the diligence of the authorities who intervened quickly to curb these abuses, reiterated the determination of the President to work to ensure respect and promote the rights of all Haitian children. She also encourages similar actions against any institution disrespectful of the inalienable rights and legal prerogatives of children.

The First Lady of the Republic, wishes the cooperation of all stakeholders and partners of Haiti to promote the implementation and the full compliance with the provisions relating to the rights of children.

Please continue to pray and to circulate this second petition. We echo the First Lady’s call for the Haitian government and President to protect the rights of all Haitian children and to ensure swift closure of other orphanages who commit acts of abuse against children.

Sign and Share the Petition Today.

It is critical that we join our voices to First Lady Sophia Martelly and call for the immediate investigation of the IBESR–the Haitian government agency responsible for protecting the rights of orphans.

Thank you for your continued prayers and help as we seek a wider investigation of orphanage abuses in Haiti.