Tag: UN

Cholera Epidemic

Congress secures $10 million for cholera in Haiti

Congressional Lawmakers Join Forces to Secure $10 Million in FY2018 Omnibus Bill to Address Haiti’s Cholera Epidemic

 Washington, D.C. – In the current political climate, Democrats and Republicans don’t often agree on much, but in a rare act of bipartisanship, Congress has passed an omnibus package that rejected many of the White House’s harsh budget cuts. Read More

Gender & Human Rights

Situation of Human Rights in Haiti

A group of human rights organizations sent a letter to the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti, Gustavo Gallon.

The letter summarizes the continued effect of the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew and offers suggestions for effective assistance. Most of the information used in the report comes from direct input from communities impacted by the hurricane. Read More

Cholera Epidemic

Update: Cholera Advocacy

For those who have followed HAWG’s cholera advocacy and supported our campaign: your support has enabled our campaign to achieve what just six months ago seemed impossible.  Very significant steps towards cholera justice have been taken in recent weeks. We’d like you to know just what you helped make happen:

  • On September 20, 2016 at the opening of the UNGA, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed “tremendous regret and sorrow at the profound suffering of Haitians affected by cholera” and said that “time has come for a new approach to ease the plight and better their lives”
  • Earlier that month the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights criticized the UN’s approach as “morally unconscionable, legally indefensible, and politically self-defeating”

A UN issued report recommended that the UN Secretariat take four steps:

  1. Issue an apology and an acceptance of responsibility in the name of the Secretary-General;
  2. Acknowledge that the claims submitted by victims are private law claims and therefore require an appropriate remedy;
  3. Provide adequate compensation for victims
  4. Ensure consultation with stakeholders in a transparent manner

The UN later announced that it is mobilizing $400 million for the new response to be delivered via a two track system.  Read More

Elections and Democracy

Elections Part V: The International Community

From the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)

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Cholera Epidemic, Media

Faith leaders to Obama: Take Action on Cholera!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jasmine Huggins, Church World Service (202) 481-6942 | Charissa Zehr, Mennonite Central Committee (202) 544-6564

Faith Leaders Urge Obama Administration to take a leadership role in eliminating cholera in Haiti

Tuesday, October 11, Washington, D.C. – As cholera cases spike in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, more than 60 faith-based organizations and religious groups sent a letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry, urging them to exercise leadership at the United Nations (UN) to ensure that concrete steps are taken to eliminate the cholera epidemic introduced to Haiti in 2010 by UN peacekeepers.  Read More

Cholera Epidemic, Media

Join the #EndHaitiCholera campaign!

Please join us in telling the Obama Administration that there is still time to make a significant impact on cholera in Haiti before the end of his term! The State Department can build momentum at the UN and take a strong stand for cholera victims and their families, cholera treatment, and long-term water and sanitation investment in Haiti. Read More

Cholera Epidemic

US Representative Frederica Wilson issues statement in light of UN’s admission of role in cholera epidemic

Last week, Representative Frederica Wilson issued a statement in response to the New York Times article that announced the UN’s acknowledgement of its role in Haiti’s cholera outbreak.

In her press release, Congresswoman Wilson stated,

Today’s announcement is a major first step in righting a wrong. While I welcome the UN’s assumption of responsibility for the cholera outbreak in Haiti, it must be followed with concrete actions that include making cholera victims and their families whole, and investments towards eradicating the epidemic.”

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Cholera Epidemic

ICYMI: UN Admits Role in Haiti’s Cholera Epidemic

The Haiti Advocacy Working Group welcomes the recent UN statement that acknowledges their role in the cholera outbreak that has caused so much illness and death since the mismanagement of wastewater from the UN base in the Artibonite region of Haiti. For 6 years, members of the HAWG have been working to address the cholera epidemic at many levels – in the health sector, in water and sanitation infrastructure funding, and seeking a claims mechanism for victims. Read More