UN organizations in Haiti deeply concerned by homophobic violence

UN organizations in Haiti on Tuesday voiced concerns over an increase in homophobic violence in the country and called on political, religious and community leaders to inspire respect for human rights and encourage restraint from expressions of hatred and contempt.

"The UN Mission and United Nations agencies and programs in Haiti are deeply concerned by the recent increase in homophobic violence in the country," the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti said in a statement.

"The UN urges all Haitians to continue working together towards the construction of a state based on the respect for the rule of law; respect for others, tolerance, individual dignity and human rights," the statement said.

The statement follows a weekend attack on an engagement party of a gay couple, with people reportedly throwing stones and setting cars on fires.

"The UN appreciates the intervention of the national authorities to rescue victims of violence and urges increased efforts to prevent further incidents and to prosecute and hold accountable those responsible for the violence," said the statement.

The UN community in Haiti reiterated that "tolerance, love, solidarity, serenity, and the respect for others, as well as fraternity, and justice for all remain the foundations of a growing democratic society," the statement said.