Haiti

6 years after the earthquake, OCHA highlights progress but alerts the plight of thousands of displaced still living in camps
Report from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 14 Jan 2016 — Ref. : PIO/PR/1/2016
Report: Download PDF (34.18 KB)
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Port-au-Prince, January 14 2016 – Six years after the devastating earthquake of 2010 that killed more than 200,000 people and left at least 1.5 million homeless, the humanitarian action has achieved significant results. For example, about 96% of the 1.5 million displaced people have left the camps thanks to relocation programs. “Despite the progress achieved to date, there are still nearly 60,000 people living in IDP camps in vulnerable situation and in need of humanitarian assistance and durable solutions”, said Enzo di Taranto, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Haiti.

Over the past six years, other humanitarian challenges have been tackled, including the fight against food insecurity and cholera. Until late 2014, the severe food insecurity decreased considerably. Also, the number of suspected cholera cases reduced, from 352,033 cases in 2011 to 27,800 in 2014. In addition, national capacities for emergency preparedness and response have been strengthened.

However, since June 2015, OCHA has noticed a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The cholera epidemic has seen a resurgence in the number of cases (over 33 000 in 2015), challenging certain gains obtained in 2014. Also, due to the drought and the effects of El Niῆ o, the Food insecurity has increased, affecting about 3 million of Haitians. The vulnerability to disasters and migration issues between Haiti and the Dominican Republic has also contributed to degradate the humanitarian context. More than 55,000 people, identified by IOM (International Organisation for Migration) and the border network partners, were deported or have entered in different ways in Haiti. This number constitutes only a part of the populations deported or returned from the Dominican Republic to Haiti since June 2015.

Unfortunately, these humanitarian dynamics come at a time when funding for humanitarian action has decreased significantly, endangering the important progress made to date and leading to a gradual withdrawal of humanitarian actors. “Haiti cannot afford to become a forgotten crisis. Therefore, we call for a sustained commitment to ensure that urgent humanitarian needs are addressed while sustainable actions continue. In 2015, OCHA has mobilized about $13 million as part of the Central Emergency Responses Funds (CERF) and Emergency Relief and Response Funds (ERRF). However, this is not enough to adress the urgent needs of the Haitian population in 2016, “added Mr. di Taranto.

Due to the deterioration of the living conditions of IDPs, OCHA encourages the humanitarian community, civil society and the private sector to support the efforts to improve access to safe water, sanitation and medical treatment to displaced families, waiting for the definitive closure of the camps…

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Organization of American States (OAS) [to 16 January 2016]
http://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_releases.asp
January 12, 2016 E-361
Electoral Observation Mission welcomes adoption of recommendations ahead of presidential run-off in Haiti
The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (EOM/OAS) in Haiti welcomes that the Electoral Provisional Council (CEP) is working to adopt most recommendations issued by the Independent Electoral Evaluation Commission and by national and international observers to provide all parties better guarantees ahead of the presidential run-off, announced for January 24.

The Mission takes note that, amongst other measures, the number of party representatives (mandataires) will be reduced from the 900,000 accredited for the October 25 election to 38,000 and these will only be able to vote at the polling station where they are registered. In addition, some polling station members will be replaced and presidential candidates will be allowed to appoint two representatives to supervise the work at the tabulation center. The training of electoral staff will be improved and lists and accreditation criteria for observation groups will be published before Election Day.

The EOM/OAS reiterates the importance of addressing these and other matters to prevent the repetition of the irregularities presented in the August 9 and October 25 elections, urging the CEP to take all necessary measures to timely put them in place…

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Statement by President Clinton on the Sixth Anniversary of the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti
Clinton Foundation
Statement
January 12, 2016
Six years ago, over 200,000 Haitians were killed in the devastating earthquake, and countless more were displaced from their homes, loved ones, and support systems. I am deeply grateful to the many partners within Haiti and around the world—including through the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative—who have remained steadfast in their dedication to the rebuilding effort, often in the face of considerable challenges. Together, Haitians and their partners are working today to create jobs, grow small businesses, revitalize Haiti’s once-vibrant agricultural sector, and protect the environment. Much remains to be done, but I continue to believe that Haiti has a bright future, and will continue to do what I can to support the resilient Haitian people as they build the country they envision.