Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former liberation theology priest, was elected by the people of Haiti as their president in 1990 and again in 2000 (by 60\% and 92\% of the vote respectively). Both times he was overthrown by military coups in 2004 directly by the US with backing from France and Canada. UN troops have occupied Haiti ever since, and thousands of people have been persecuted and even killed for demanding his return.

After the earthquake, President Aristide told the media, from his forced exile in South Africa, that he wanted to come back immediately to be with his people. So far he has not been allowed home.

On 22 May 2010, women issued a petition:

We, the women of Haiti, believe that in the wake of the void left by the earthquake of January 12, which devastated the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and much of the southwest, Jean-Bertrand Aristide has tremendous contributions to offer towards the rebuilding of the country[We] ask President Obama to return President Aristide and his family, without conditions, as required by Article 41 of the Haitian Constitution. (For full text see: www.globalwomenstrike.net)

They have gathered over 20,000 signatures, and have invited people internationally to add their names.

Haitian women know whats best for them and their families, and for the reconstruction of their communities and their country. We urge you to meet their demand so that President Aristide and his family can finally return home.