--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from…" description: "\"In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from exile, we established a Commission for Truth and Justice and Reconciliation. I passed the documents to the next..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f68/jean-bertrand-aristide-19618_documents_in-1994-when-i-went-back-to-haiti-from-e_2986810.jpg" --- # In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from exile, we… ![“In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from exile, we established a Commission for Truth and Justice and Reconciliation. I passed the documents to the next government, and I never heard about it again.” quote by Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f68/jean-bertrand-aristide-19618_documents_in-1994-when-i-went-back-to-haiti-from-e_2986810.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f68/jean-bertrand-aristide-19618_documents_in-1994-when-i-went-back-to-haiti-from-e_2986810.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f68/jean-bertrand-aristide-19618_documents_in-1994-when-i-went-back-to-haiti-from-e_2986810.jpg) > “In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from exile, we established a Commission for Truth and Justice and Reconciliation. I passed the documents to the next government, and I never heard about it again.” [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A truth commission was created but its work was ignored by subsequent governments, highlighting political neglect. **In simple terms:** Truth commissions can be ignored. Key Takeaway Advocate for sustained accountability. Themes justice truth political neglect Mood somber reflective Type political historical When to use this quote - human rights work - government transitions - NGO advocacy Key Concepts reconciliation institutional memory Questions to Reflect On - How can truth initiatives survive regime changes? - What mechanisms ensure lasting impact? A Different Perspective Political will often wanes quickly. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Documents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/documents/) [Exile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exile/) [Exile Established](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exile-established-4673967/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Haiti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/haiti/) [Haiti Exile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/haiti-exile-4673966/) [Heard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heard/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Justice Reconciliation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice-reconciliation-2834566/) [Next](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next/) [Reconciliation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reconciliation/) [Reconciliation Passed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reconciliation-passed-4673968/) [Truth and justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth-and-justice/) ## Related quotes > [We shall prepare the coffee of reconciliation through the filter of justice. Through reconciliation, streams of tears will come to our eyes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-shall-prepare-the-coffee-of-reconciliation-through-the-filter-of/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The non-violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory - or not just victory.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alveda-king/the-non-violent-movement-seeks-justice-and-reconciliation-not-victory/) [Alveda King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alveda-king/) > [I know how the American people care for that democratic principle. They want to see their vote respected. As we in Haiti want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/i-know-how-the-american-people-care-for-that-democratic-principle/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The spirit of Ubuntu, that once led Haiti to emerge as the first independent black nation in 1804, helped Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador attain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-spirit-of-ubuntu-that-once-led-haiti-to-emerge-as-the-first/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Sometimes people who want to understand Haiti from a political perspective may be missing part of the picture. They also need to look at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/sometimes-people-who-want-to-understand-haiti-from-a-political-2/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [As far as we are concerned, we are ready to leave today, tomorrow, at any time, to join the people of Haiti, to share…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/as-far-as-we-are-concerned-we-are-ready-to-leave-today-tomorrow-at/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Peace in the head, peace in the stomach. The spirit of Ubuntu, that once led Haiti to emerge as the first independent black nation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/peace-in-the-head-peace-in-the-stomach-the-spirit-of-ubuntu-that-once/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The first time Haiti had free and fair democratic elections was 1990, when I was elected.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-first-time-haiti-had-free-and-fair-democratic-elections-was-1990/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [As we all know, many people remain buried under tons of rubble and debris, waiting to be rescued. When we think of their suffering,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/as-we-all-know-many-people-remain-buried-under-tons-of-rubble-and/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Haiti, Haiti, the further I am from you, the less I breathe. Haiti, I love you, and I will love you always. Always.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/haiti-haiti-the-further-i-am-from-you-the-less-i-breathe-haiti-i-love/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The future of Haiti must be linked to the respect of the rights of every single citizen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-future-of-haiti-must-be-linked-to-the-respect-of-the-rights-of/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The structure of apartheid is still rooted in the Haitian society. When you have apartheid, you don't see those behind the walls. That is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-structure-of-apartheid-is-still-rooted-in-the-haitian-society/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [We have problems which will be addressed by Haitians.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-have-problems-which-will-be-addressed-by-haitians/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Sometimes people who want to understand Haiti from a political perspective may be missing part of the picture. They also need to look at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/sometimes-people-who-want-to-understand-haiti-from-a-political/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [I was told when I grew up I could be anything I wanted: a fireman, a policeman, a doctor – even President, it seemed.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/i-was-told-when-i-grew-up-i-could-be-anything-i-wanted-a-fireman-a/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) ## More by Jean-Bertrand Aristide > [Of course, learning is strengthened and solidified when it occurs in a safe, secure and normal environment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/of-course-learning-is-strengthened-and-solidified-when-it-occurs-in-a/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [We are all equal, rich and poor, and we need a society where the people enjoy their rights.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-are-all-equal-rich-and-poor-and-we-need-a-society-where-the-people/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Sometimes people who want to understand Haiti from a political perspective may be missing part of the picture. They also need to look at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/sometimes-people-who-want-to-understand-haiti-from-a-political/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [We have problems which will be addressed by Haitians.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-have-problems-which-will-be-addressed-by-haitians/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [If one suffers we all suffer. Togetherness is strength. Courage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/if-one-suffers-we-all-suffer-togetherness-is-strength-courage/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [I respect religion and will respect any religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/i-respect-religion-and-will-respect-any-religion/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [We must all make peace so that we can all live in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-must-all-make-peace-so-that-we-can-all-live-in-peace/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The structure of apartheid is still rooted in the Haitian society. When you have apartheid, you don't see those behind the walls. That is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-structure-of-apartheid-is-still-rooted-in-the-haitian-society/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [We have not reached the consensus that to eat is a basic human right. This is an ethical crisis. This is a crisis of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/we-have-not-reached-the-consensus-that-to-eat-is-a-basic-human-right/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [The future of Haiti must be linked to the respect of the rights of every single citizen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/the-future-of-haiti-must-be-linked-to-the-respect-of-the-rights-of/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [I am still the only elected president of the country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/i-am-still-the-only-elected-president-of-the-country/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Haitians don't like to say they are hungry because we are proud.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/haitians-don-t-like-to-say-they-are-hungry-because-we-are-proud/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [I will work to bring peace to everyone - whatever economic level - as long as you are Haitian.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/i-will-work-to-bring-peace-to-everyone-whatever-economic-level-as/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [Haiti, Haiti, the further I am from you, the less I breathe. Haiti, I love you, and I will love you always. Always.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/haiti-haiti-the-further-i-am-from-you-the-less-i-breathe-haiti-i-love/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) > [As we all know, many people remain buried under tons of rubble and debris, waiting to be rescued. When we think of their suffering,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-bertrand-aristide/as-we-all-know-many-people-remain-buried-under-tons-of-rubble-and/) [Jean-Bertrand Aristide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) [Explore all 32 Jean-Bertrand Aristide quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-bertrand-aristide/) ## More Documents quotes > [We released 400,000 classified documents, the most extraordinary history of a war to ever have been released in our civilization. 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The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ibn-warraq/in-saudi-arabia-among-other-countries-muslims-are-not-free-to-convert/) [Ibn Warraq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ibn-warraq/) > [I doubt there's any government in the world that guides itself primarily by strategy or conceptual documents or worldview. Anybody who has the reins…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barton-gellman/i-doubt-there-s-any-government-in-the-world-that-guides-itself/) [Barton Gellman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barton-gellman/) > [What's insulting to the American people, the Senate, to this whole process is that the Republicans, with all other nominees, have said Democrats are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-maddow/what-s-insulting-to-the-american-people-the-senate-to-this-whole/) [Rachel Maddow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-maddow/) > [Utopian fiction is really boring. I had to read a lot of it, and it's not that much fun. 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