This year marks a significant milestone for the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) and the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) as we celebrate 20 years of building justice together. On Thursday, December 5, 2025, IJDH brought together panelists and attendees from around the world to reflect on our two decades of work, amplify the voices of grassroots advocates, and share a vision for the next 20 years of justice and democracy in Haiti.
Event Speakers:
- Ira Kurzban – The Founding of IJDH and Winning Immigration Cases over the Last 40 Years
- Mildred Aristide – The Importance of Restoring Democracy in Haiti
- Nicole Lee – Connecting Anti-Racist Struggles
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters – U.S. Policy and Political Advocacy for Haiti
- Nicole Phillips – Social Justice Lawyer Training and Alumni Network
- Paul Miller – Activism in Minnesota
- Bea Lindstrom – Cholera Case Against the UN and International Accountability
- Charlot Lucien – Restitution Work
- Nadia Ben-Youssef – Haiti in the Context of Global Justice Struggles
- Isemonde Joseph – IJDH Board Member Sharing Personal Impact of BAI and IJDH Legal Advocacy
- Karen Ansara – Event MC
The event showcased the resilience, impact, and hope that have driven IJDH and BAI’s fight for human rights and democracy. Each panelist brought unique insights into critical issues, including the restoration of democracy in Haiti, international accountability, activism, reparations, and the enduring importance of international solidarity.
From the fight for reparations to addressing systemic injustices, our speakers— founding IJDH members, IJDH and BAI alum, U.S. elected officials, community activists, members of the Board of Directors, and long-time supporters—painted a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs in building justice together. Their stories and reflections are a testament to the power of collaboration, collective action, resilience, resistance, advocacy, and persistence.
Highlights from the Panelists:
- Founding IJDH: A look at how the organization was born out of a need for grassroots advocacy for justice and democracy.
- Restoring Democracy: Insights into the work to restore democracy in Haiti amidst political challenges.
- Social Justice Leadership: Stories of training and empowering the next generation of social justice lawyers.
- Accountability and Reparations: Updates on IJDH’s legal victories, including the landmark cholera case against the United Nations, and ongoing efforts to demand restitution and international accountability.
- Activism and Global Solidarity: Panelists reflected on how international advocacy and solidarity amplify Haiti’s justice movements.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that our work is far from over. The fight for a just and democratic Haiti requires persistent effort, solidarity, and hope.
We invite you to be part of this journey—whether by engaging with our work, sharing this recording, or contributing to the IJDH Sustainability Fund, which supports the next 20 years of building justice together.
Men anpil, chay pa lou—many hands lighten the load. Thank you for continuing to stand with us.