This Monday, August 19, 2024, as part of World Humanitarian Day, Herwil Gaspard, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs, and Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, praised the work and dedication of humanitarian workers who provide aid to hundreds of thousands of people affected by the multidimensional crisis.

This Day aims to raise awareness of the challenges humanitarian actors face and the crucial importance of humanitarian aid to preserve the dignity and well-being of the most vulnerable affected by conflicts and natural hazards.

In Haiti, nearly 600,000 people have been displaced by violence, three times more than the same period a year ago; only 24% of hospitals are functioning normally and half of the population is food insecure.

In this context, the Haitian government, United Nations agencies and NGOs are pooling their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities. Since the beginning of the year, more than 1.6 million hot meals have been served, the majority of which have been for displaced people living in the metropolitan area of ​​Port-au-Prince. Several thousand people have received emergency shelter kits and have accessed water, hygiene and sanitation services. Thousands of women and children have also benefited from medical care and psychosocial support.

"We are committed, alongside our national and international partners, to supporting all efforts aimed at bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Humanitarian workers reflect our common humanity, and we must ensure that they can operate in complete safety," said Minister Gaspard on behalf of the Government.

"On this Day, I would also like to salute the generosity and courage of thousands of Haitian families who, in a burst of humanism, are on the front lines of the humanitarian response by welcoming people affected by violence into their homes, ensuring their dignity," said Ulrika Richardson.

The two officials also welcomed the support of donors, while stressing that with 4 months to go until the end of the year, the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is only 33% funded and call for an international effort to fully respond to the humanitarian challenges in Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre