Barbara Lee to Introduce Resolution on Anniversary of Earthquake in Haiti
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today will introduce a resolution in observance of the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti of January 12, 2010. In addition to honoring those who lost their lives, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States House of Representatives to support Haiti’s reconstruction and urges the Administration to plan for the long-term presence of cholera in the country.
“One year has passed since a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the country of Haiti,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The anniversary provides us with the opportunity to not only honor those who lost their lives, but to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to support the people of Haiti as they struggle to combat the ongoing cholera epidemic, curb post-election violence, and rebuild their neighborhoods, lives, and country following the tragic earthquake.
“At last year’s international donors conference in New York, 59 donors pledged approximately $6.2 billion over three years to support the Government of Haiti’s Action Plan for National Recovery and Development. According to the Office of the Special Envoy for Haiti, approximately 42 percent of 2010 recovery and development funds have been disbursed. Moving forward, we must ensure that we deliver on our promises and act with the same sense of urgency that we did immediately following the earthquake.
“Additionally, the U.S. and international community must continue to focus assistance on the priorities of the government of Haiti, and improve and scale-up communications and participatory mechanisms to more substantially involve Haitian civil society at all stages of reconstruction programs and projects. Promoting country ownership is not merely a symbolic gesture, but concretely lays the groundwork for long-term development.
“Lastly, we must continue to work with the government of Haiti to not only prevent the spread of cholera and treat those affected, but to undertake comprehensive assessments and to provide the necessary resources to plan for the long-term presence of the disease. According to the Pan American Health Organization, cholera is now endemic to Haiti, and unless we plan now for the long-term – including by overhauling the country’s dire water and sanitation infrastructure – we will see the death toll continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
“Throughout this series of tragedies and crises, the people of Haiti have demonstrated unwavering resilience, dignity, and courage. Once the anniversary passes and Haiti again falls off the front pages and the 24-hour news cycle, let us not forget the plights of our neighbors just off our shores. Let us continue to do all we can to support the country by working with its people, the Haitian Diaspora, and all international actors who share in the goal of brighter future for Haiti.”
Note: For a copy of the full resolution, please contact Ricci Graham at (510) 763-0370.
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