Overview:
Women’s rights organization Nègès Mawon held a memorial ceremony in Delmas to mark the fifth anniversary of the assassination of feminist and human rights activist Antoinette “Netty” Duclaire, honoring her legacy while renewing calls for justice in a case that remains unsolved.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Five years after the assassination of journalist and renowned feminist activist Antoinette “Netty” Duclaire, supporters gathered in Delmas on June 29 to honor her life and renew calls for justice in a case that remains unresolved.
“She was someone who never knew fear,” said sociologist James Beltis, a friend of Duclaire. ”
The Haitian sociologist said Duclaire challenged deeply entrenched barriers facing women in Haitian politics and other sectors of society through her activism, which many would have found difficult to overcome.
He said Duclaire challenged deeply entrenched barriers facing women in Haitian politics.
“Political spaces are extremely toxic for women, yet Netty confronted them and asserted her right to speak,” Beltis said. “For me, that is the example future generations should follow.”
“Imagine that political spaces are extremely toxic for women, but Netty confronted them and asserted her right to speak. For me, that is the true path for future generations.”
James Beltis, sociologist and friend of Antoinette Duclaire
Organized by the women’s rights organization Nègès Mawon, the commemoration celebrated Duclaire’s legacy as one of Haiti’s leading feminist voices and highlighted her unwavering commitment to women’s rights, civic engagement and social justice.
Her killing, along with that of reporter Diego Charles on June 29, 2021, however, remains emblematic of Haiti’s broader crisis of impunity. Five years later, no one has been brought to justice for the double assassination.
Again, Duclaire and Charles’ case joins a growing list of unresolved high-profile killings that have haunted Haiti in recent years, including those of journalists Brignol Lindor, Jean Dominique and Jacques Roche, publicist François “Fanfan” Latour, attorney Monferrier Dorval and President Jovenel Moïse. For many Haitians, the lack of accountability in these cases reflects a justice system weakened by political instability, insecurity and institutional dysfunction, leaving victims’ families waiting years for answers.
The ceremony featured a memorial displaying Duclaire’s photographs surrounded by candles and flowers. Organizers also hosted activities for young girls to encourage future generations to defend their rights and remain engaged in civic life despite the risks women continue to face in Haiti.
Speakers described Duclaire as a symbol of courage and collective commitment to women’s rights, calling her a martyr for the cause.
As part of the event, Nègès Mawon and the feminist organization MARIJÀN launched the Antoinette Duclaire Scholarship to support and mentor a new generation of young women leaders.
Investigation remains stalled
Five years after the killings, participants said they still have no information about the status of the investigation.
Duclaire and Charles, an investigative reporter working for Radio Vision 2000, were ambushed and fatally shot in the Christ-Roi neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Duclaire was struck multiple times.
At the time of her death, Duclaire was a member of the opposition political party Matrice Libération and an outspoken critic of both the administrations of Michel Martelly and Jovenel Moïse. She was also active in the PetroCaribe movement, demanding accountability for the alleged misuse of billions of dollars from the Venezuelan development program.
Today, her advocacy continues to inspire Haitian women’s organizations that see her life and work as a lasting reminder of the importance—and the cost—of speaking out for justice.
