During the Duvalier era (both Francois and Jean-Claude), torture, death, disappearance, and exile were common in the Haitian society. Tens of thousands of Haitians have been killed during the Duvalier regime. Many have just disappeared without any trace. It is estimated that more than 30,000 people have lost their lives unjustly.

Amnesty International that had been collecting complaints against the regime, recently handed 100 cases of human rights abuses to the Haitian Government; crimes reported by victims of the Duvalier regime, including torture, executions, disappearances and detention without trial.

During both Francois Duvalier and Jean-Claude Duvalier reigns, the Tonton Macoutes who were the secret police of the regime were the ones responsible to carry out these crimes. Under Jean-Claude, the Tonton Macoutes were united under the VSN or Volontaires de la Securite Nationale. This is translated in English as" Militia of National Security Volunteers.

After the sudden return of Jean-Claude Duvalier from Exile, many of his victims who were still alive want him to be put on trial. Human rights activists want him to be judged as well for crimes committed against humanity.