Michael D Higgins TD

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International community must better coordinate assistance to people of Haiti

Issued : Tuesday 19 January, 2010

The Labour Party President and Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Michael D Higgins has welcomed the commitment by the European Union to provide €122m in humanitarian aid and €307m in long term reconstruction financing to Haiti, but has urged the Irish government to give a lead in establishing such logistics as would lead to an effective, fast delivery of commitments on the ground.

Deputy Higgins said: "I welcome the commitment to financing by both the United States and the EU. Clearly the devastation wrought on the basic infrastructure of Haiti by the earthquake, destroying the few resources which the already impoverished people of Haiti had access to, may take generations to repair, and requires long-term assistance as well as immediate humanitarian aid.

"However there is an urgent need to ensure that the international community delivers on its promises and coordinates its efforts. In the immediate response it has not been clear as to who is responsible for what in the relief effort. The logistical system is clearly inadequate. Following the hurricanes in the last couple of years, commitments were made to Haitian relief and development of just under half a billion dollars. Unfortunately less than ten per cent was actually delivered.

“Reports from Medecins sans Frontieres indicate serious difficulties in securing landing rights at the main airport at Port-au-Prince. This has caused delay to relief and consternation among agencies. It is critical that the single objective of governments and non-governmental agencies alike be getting as much help to the people who need it as quickly as possible.

"Preserving and sustaining life must be the priorities following such a natural catastrophe yet there is a suspicion that some countries are expending considerable efforts to demonstrate regional might. This shows the renewed need for a standing humanitarian rapid response unit operating under the auspices of the United Nations instead of nationally controlled units often better trained for military combat than humanitarian missions.

The EU External Affairs High Representative Catherine Ashton must deliver this call when she meets US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.”