Haiti - Social : 7% decrease in the camp population
On a three-day visit to Haiti, IOM Director General William Lacy Swing called for a final push to end the displacement crisis "We can achieve this objective with the leadership of the Government of Haiti and enough international support [...] I am encouraged by the progress I observed since my last visit a year ago [...] I see a more positive atmosphere contributing to more positive attitudes and a determination to achieve results. Now we need to get these remaining camps [575] finally closed."
Mr. Swing’s visit coincided with the release of new IOM figures showing that 390,276 individuals (or 98.000 households) remain in IDP camps. The total number of open sites was reduced by 27 from 602 in April to 575 in June. This is a decrease of 63% compared to July 2010 when there were 1.555 sites and of 7% compared to April 2012. This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including plans to return and relocation provided in the Government's plan through the Unit of Housing Construction and Public Buildings (UCLBP). This is very visible at the level of Port-au-Prince, where the population decreased by 17% (from 25.853 to 21.366 households) since April 2012. The majority of the displaced population (233.857 persons or 60%) continues to reside on 40 sites (hosting 500 or more households). On the other hand, 79% of sites (453) receive less than 150 households each, representing approximately 19% of the displaced population (72.490 people).
Swing met with Haitian President Michel Martelly to discuss progress achieved so far and challenges ahead regarding relocation and camp closures. The President committed to continue to work with IOM to enhance programmes that would close camps, using the methodology developed by the Government, IOM and other humanitarian actors over the past year. "Both the Government and IOM have a shared interest in delivering durable solutions to end displacement and for the sake of the people we need to get across the finish line by closing as many camps as possible," declared M. Swing.
During his stay, the Director General also met with the Minister of Interior Thierry Mayard-Paul, Minister for Haitians Living Abroad Daniel Supplice, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Nigel Fisher, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Kevin Kennedy and members of the UN country team.
Mr. Swing spent a large portion of his visit in the field. He also visited Champ de Mars, a volatile spontaneous camp that was situated in front of the National Palace. Until the Government's recent relocation programme, some 4,600 families subsisted there in tents and shacks. Over 90% of the camp has now been closed with the help of rental subsidies. Schoolchildren enjoy in a newly restored playground, and people find relief in the wide open spaces. "Champ de Mars is the symbolic heart of the country and we are seeing a gradual return to normality which I am proud to be associated with."
