Human Rights Council continues Special Session on Haiti

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued its Special Session on “The Support of the Human Rights Council to the Recovery Process in Haiti after the Earthquake of January 12, 2010: a Human Rights Approach".

Among issues raised by speakers was that while rehabilitation continued in Haiti, the focus should now be on assistance towards reconstruction and on assisting Haiti to develop and break the cycle of poverty which had exacerbated the present disaster. However, in rehabilitation and reconstruction, the human rights of the people should be respected. It was important that special attention be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable, namely the elderly, women and children. The protection and promotion of human rights must be part of the reconstruction effort and would aid therein. Relief and reconstruction efforts must be based on the respect and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, and provided in ways that ensured the fulfilment of at least minimum essential levels of food, water, sanitation, education, health and housing.

This was a test for the international community; it must not be beyond its ability, working together, to bring services back to the people of Haiti and begin the reconstruction of a country that for too long had been immersed in poverty and now in tragedy, speakers said. The international community needed to share reconstruction efforts and to preserve the accomplishments and gains made by Haiti before the disaster, thereby giving the country hope for a prosperous future. Human rights were delicate in situations of crisis and emergency; therefore it was critical that all actors took appropriate measures aimed at ensuring Haiti's recovery. The challenges that lay ahead were many, and the protection of human rights could only be effective if interrelated with a reconstruction effort and sustainable development. There should be wholesale cancellation of Haiti's foreign debt, which was a necessary requirement for the freeing of resources to be channelled towards economic development and was quite consistent with the objectives and principles discussed in the Council on the right to development as a matter of human rights.

Speakers said the Special Session had to make a difference and have a positive impact on human rights in Haiti, and assess and identify the human rights and assistance needs of Haiti. The action that could be carried out following the Session, providing cooperation, training and technical assistance, should give priority attention to vulnerable groups, particularly in the prevention of violence against them. The Council and its Special Procedures, including the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, had a key role to ensure that human rights played a role in the recovery of Haiti.

Speaking this afternoon were the representatives of the United States, Senegal, United Kingdom, Philippines, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Ghana, Gabon, South Africa, Angola, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria, Armenia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Morocco, Iceland, Turkey, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Luxembourg, Israel, Paraguay, Malaysia, Ireland, Thailand, Botswana and Iran.

The Council will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 28 January, when it is expected to conclude its debate and adopt a resolution on the support that it can give to the recovery process in Haiti.

General Debate

DOUGLAS M. GRIFFITHS (United States) said the generosity of the world community had been remarkable, and their continued generosity was desperately needed in Haiti. The scale of assistance, even with so many still in need, was so great that the small airport of Port au Prince, which used to serve about 15 flights a day, was currently landing between 150 to 160 flights daily. This shared response by the community of nations truly showed the great qualities of the United Nations. The United States Government was proud of the overwhelming show of support by the American people for Haiti. It was in this spirit of support for the Haitian people and solidarity with the international community that the United States participated in this Special Session. The protection and promotion of human rights must be part of the reconstruction effort and would aid therein. Not only was it the responsibility of the Government to protect the rights of its citizens and residents but it was also the United States' firm belief and experience, shared by members of the international community, that democracy, development and human rights were mutually reinforcing, and that Governments that adopted respect for human rights and the rule of law were more effective, sustainable, and better able to respond to the needs of their people.

MOMAR GUEYE (Senegal) expressed Senegal’s deep sympathies in the aftermath of the recent Haiti earthquake. In addition to the country’s many challenges an unprecedented natural disaster had shown the solidarity of the international community. Senegal had given Haiti $ 1 million as emergency assistance. Over the last two years a link had been seen between human rights and humanitarian laws, both of which had become acute. This Special Session was welcome and the Council should ensure solidarity and compassion and take measures to assist vulnerable groups like children in Haiti. Reconstruction programmes should take into account long term sustainable infrastructure, health food and sanitation needs, with a human rights dimension. Although the challenges ahead were huge, Senegal hoped the international community would rise to them.

REBECCA SAGAR (United Kingdom) said this was a test for the international community. It must not be beyond its ability, working together, to bring services back to the people of Haiti and begin the reconstruction of a country that for too long had been immersed in poverty and now in tragedy. For the Council to be effective, it must respond promptly and robustly to emerging and urgent situations of human rights violations across the globe. There was a way to go to achieve this, but today the Council could send a clear message that human rights must be at the heart of the response. In the short term, human rights must underpin humanitarian relief - but human rights also had a fundamental role to play in medium- and long-term recovery. It was only through a human rights focus that it could be ensured that unintended protection gaps were not created, and that there was due attention paid to non-discrimination and the protection of the most vulnerable. The Human Rights Council had already focused on human rights in Haiti before this tragedy, and the United Kingdom welcomed that it had come together in unison today to further underline that human rights must be a part of the way forward for the people of Haiti.

JOSEPHINE M. REYNANTE (Philippines) said the earthquake in Haiti was a setback to social and economic measures and to human rights in the country. The Philippines was aware of the immediate need for food and sanitation, particularly among women and children in Haiti. It was crucial for the Council to do all it could to improve the humanitarian and human rights needs on the ground, supporting the Government. More support had to be given to those who were vulnerable and most in need. As a natural disaster-ravaged country, the Philippines understood the primordial importance of receiving timely assistance and was thus obliged to give Haiti a helping hand. It would continue to help in relief and reconstruction efforts. Additionally, after the United Nations flash appeal, the Philippines had discharged a medical team and other specialists, including social workers and medical supplies. It was the fervent wish of the Philippines that Haiti recover quickly. It was glad that the Council had lent its support to Haiti.

MUHIB MAHMOUD AHMAD NIMRAT (Jordan) said this meeting today came at the appropriate moment as it underlined the international community's solidarity and support for the people and Government of Haiti in order to overcome the humanitarian crisis and begin reconstruction efforts. Stability and security should be restored to Haiti. With the people of Haiti, Jordan shared sorrows, as three Jordanians perished in the disaster, being on mission in the country. Jordan had sent assistance in kind including food and medicines, and had contributed to the search and rescue missions, the opening of roads, and the rehabilitation of the airport to receive international assistance. Jordan would continue to make efforts to alleviate the suffering and pain of the victims of the disaster, the gravity of which required perfect coordination and the translation of efforts into effective action in the field. The international community needed to share reconstruction efforts and to preserve the accomplishments and gains made by Haiti before the disaster, thereby giving the country hope for a prosperous future. The people of Haiti were in great need of a message from the international community to tell them that they were not alone in this battle for recovery and sustainable development. It was necessary to continue coordination and respond and interact with those efforts made to finally reach the stage of recovery and reconstruction in the long term.

IM HAN-TAE (Republic of Korea) said this devastating catastrophe had had a global impact. Shocked by the impressive scale of the damage, the world had rallied to respond. The relief operation now underway was of a scale rarely seen in the past as people around the world were showing an unprecedented strong sense of solidarity. With an extensive experience gained in response to natural disasters around the world, the United Nations had been very effective in coordinating international response efforts. Relief activities or humanitarian assistance had a meaningful implication on the protection and promotion of human rights, representing an attempt to satisfy the physical and environmental minimum requirements for the human rights of disaster victims. At the same time, the protection and promotion of human rights were guiding principles of such activities. The collective efforts of the international community should alleviate the agony and suffering of the Haitian people and the rehabilitation of the country should start as soon as possible.

MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) expressed Pakistan’s deep condolences to Haiti and to the families of United Nations staff who had perished. Pakistan supported the decision of the Council to call this Special Session. It hoped the Council would express solidarity and highlight the utmost continued assistance to Haiti for its continued enjoyment of human rights. Pakistan welcomed global efforts and United Nations efforts in response to that huge crisis. It hoped that that would be bolstered and result in early recovery and rehabilitation work. Pakistani peacekeepers had been directed to provide support above and beyond the call of duty in the earthquake’s aftermath. Civil society had also been mobilized to provide a helping hand. The Council’s meeting was an opportunity to bolster the enjoyment of human rights in Haiti. Hopefully the resolution would outline the people’s needs without burdening them any further. Pakistan hoped that Haiti would make a swift recovery and embark on a process that was human rights oriented with international support.

HAKEEM BALOGUN (Ghana) said the scale of destruction in Haiti was enormous, and it was saddening to learn that the death toll continued to rise. The global response to the disaster was however encouraging, and it was acknowledged that enormous financial and material assistance would be required for the rehabilitation of the people and reconstruction of the country. While rehabilitation continued in Haiti, the focus should now be on assistance towards reconstruction and on assisting Haiti to develop and break the cycle of poverty which had exacerbated the present disaster. However, in rehabilitation and reconstruction, the human rights of the people should be respected. It was important that special attention be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable, i.e. the elderly, women and children, and the Council should therefore assist in complementing efforts of other bodies in the United Nations system to address the serious consequences of this disaster. With the requisite global support, Haiti would forge ahead on the road to recovery.

GUY BLAISE NAMBO-WEZET (Gabon) said at this painful moment, Haiti was showing great courage, and, with the support of the international community, should be able to rebuild the country. The current situation in Haiti showed a great danger for human rights, and the Council needed to look into this issue, as the situation was a challenge to which it should rise. The Special Session was an opportunity for all countries to send a strong signal to all those who were involved in reconstruction to preserve the dignity and respect of the individual. Gabon wished to reassure the Haitian Government of the readiness of its people, Government and highest authorities to aid in its voyage.

KGOMOTSO DAPHNE RAHLAGA (South Africa) said South Africa was aware of the scope of the challenges ahead and of assistance needs to bring about stability for the people of Haiti. Thus it had worked with civil society and the private sector to provide medical assistance to Haiti. It had provided technical assistance to identify bodies. In that regard, forensic pathologists had already been sent to the country. South Africa would carry on helping Haiti. It commended the international community’s efforts in meeting the country’s immediate needs. The disaster had negatively affected their rights to food, housing, and sanitation. It had also impacted women, children and triggered many internally displaced persons. Haitians needs had to be addressed urgently and they had to be assisted. The Council’s Special Session had to make a difference and make a positive impact on human rights in Haiti. South Africa encouraged United Nations mechanisms to assess and to identify the human rights and assistance needs of Haiti. Any initiatives in that regard had to be in line with the Government’s priorities and needs.

ARCANJO MARIA DO NASCIMENTO (Angola) said two weeks after an earthquake which brought great loss of life and material destruction to Haiti, the international community had to maintain its mobilisation in bringing much-needed relief and humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people. The situation on the ground was such that Haiti was facing the most serious humanitarian crisis that had ever afflicted the nation, with a consequent impact on human rights. Human rights were delicate in situations of crisis and emergency; therefore it was critical that all actors took appropriate measures aimed at ensuring Haiti's recovery. The challenges that lay ahead were many, and the protection of human rights could only be effective if interrelated with a reconstruction effort and sustainable development. The poverty that afflicted most of the population had contributed significantly to the extensive devastation. The right to development was essential to reduce dependency and reduce the excessive weight of foreign debt. It was essential that the international community did not recreate the same factors that put the Haitian people at risk of human rights violations and perpetuate inequalities and poverty. Relief and reconstruction efforts must be based on the respect and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, and provided in ways that ensured the fulfilment of at least minimum essential levels of food, water, sanitation, education, health and housing. All international financial institutions and other creditors should take all necessary steps towards cancelling Haiti's debt.

MUKTAR DJUMALIEV (Kyrgyzstan) said the social rights of vulnerable people in Haiti should be ensured. It was crucial to prevent risks inherent in natural disasters and their implications for human rights. Mechanisms to prevent them required special attention. Kyrgyzstan called on the Human Rights Council to work with disaster relief agencies and the United Nations Environmental Programme, to alleviate the effects of such disaster and ensure the protection of human rights. It reiterated its profound condolences and best wishes for rapid reconstruction in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) said the Council was meeting to discuss the consequences on human rights of the catastrophe that had hit Haiti. Work needed to be done to protect vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Algeria had risen to its duty with the people of Haiti, and had extended a very quick grant to that nation, and was going to consider more support in the period of reconstruction. It was very important for all external assistance to be channelled through the official channels in order to assist Haiti to enable it to ensure the enjoyment by all its people of economic, social and cultural rights, among other human rights. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should have the leadership of the joint team in Haiti, the establishment of which was welcome, as it could ensure the integration of human rights in all stages of relief and reconstruction. It was extremely important for that to take place as part of the general context of respect for the sovereignty of Haiti, and to ensure the Government would not be exposed to additional burdens.

CHARLES AZNAVOUR (Armenia) said Haiti, which already had not had much, had lost what little it had. The country was destroyed, and had to be rebuilt, and the task was not easy. The consequences of such a catastrophe would not be overcome without the aid and assistance of the international community. Humanitarian assistance became a means to protect essential human rights, the right to food, to housing, health and education. This shared commitment was also a commitment to protect the most vulnerable, women, children, the aged and displaced, and to build them a better future. When the right to life was at stake, it was the individual and collective obligation to show a shared vision and will to help the victims struck by disaster.

WENDY HINTON (New Zealand) expressed New Zealand’s solidarity with Haiti. The quake-ravaged country would need long-term global assistance. The United Nations would have to consult with the Haitian Government and civil society. A human rights based approach for aid and reconstruction would help build a strong and just Haiti. Preventing discrimination and protection would identify the most vulnerable, among them, women, lone children and those suffering from HIV and AIDS. The Council and its Special Procedures had a key role to ensure that human rights played a role in the recovery of Haiti.

GERMAN MUNDARAIN HERNANDEZ (Venezuela) said this devastating earthquake was added to the series of tragedies that the noble Haitian people had suffered for many years, living in dire poverty and deprivation. Homeland to Toussaint Louverture, Haiti was suffering a new period of pain, suffering and neglect, but Venezuela was confident of Haitians belief and strength and that they would pull themselves out of this. Venezuela had been at the side of Haiti for many years, and would stand by its commitment, having already sent tonnes of humanitarian assistance. Venezuela was not sending soldiers or weapons. The Government would also cancel Haiti’s debt, and would maintain its supply of fuel. The international community and the competent bodies should continue to provide humanitarian and other forms of assistance that Haiti needed, including the cancellation of the debt by external creditors, which was essential if the fight for the human rights of the Haitian people was to be successful.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco) extended Morocco’s deepest sympathies to Haiti. The scale of the human and material damage cried out to the international community. Today’s session should highlight the importance of realizing the Haitian people’s human rights. That was an enormous challenge. Thus all sectors of society, including the Government and civil society, had to work together. In line with its humanist principles, Morocco, as a fellow southern country, was one of the first to support Haiti. The country’s King had donated roughly $ 1 million to the country. Haiti had to rebuild it legal institutions to then allow it to ensure human rights in the framework of good governance, economic development and democracy. Morocco supported the resolution to be adopted by the Council. It supported the Joint Protective Action, to support people affected by the recent earthquake.

KRISTINN F. ARNASON (Iceland) said it was important for efforts and activities addressing human rights issues in Haiti to start during the relief phase and to be at the core of reconstruction efforts. The challenges that lay ahead were many - it was known that human rights were most in jeopardy in situations of crisis and emergency, therefore it was critical that all actors took the appropriate measures to prevent human rights violations and that relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti should be based on the protection and promotion of all human rights. Iceland was deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti. Children were amongst the ones with special protection needs in Haiti. Sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking were already a serious concern in Haiti prior to the quake, and would need careful and continued monitoring. The international community must continue to assist Haitians to recover from the event and rebuild their nation over the long term.

AHMET UZUMCU (Turkey) said the international community was faced with a humanitarian crisis in Haiti which required a coordinated and effective response. The humanitarian response had been prompt, participation was wide, and contributions were generous. The family of nations could be proud of the solidarity shown towards the Haitian people. Nevertheless much more needed to be done. Logistical difficulties existed, and needed to be overcome to ensure sustained humanitarian aid to Haiti in coming weeks and months. Protecting human rights was essential for effective relief and sustainable recovery in Haiti- the risks were higher in situations of crisis and emergency. The Haitian authorities and the international donor community must ensure that all the appropriate measures aimed at preventing human rights violations were taken, and the provision of humanitarian assistance was carried out in consistence with human rights standards. Public order, the rule of law and security should be provided. During the recovery phase, the goal should be to achieve the minimum international human rights standards on water, food, sanitation, housing and other basic needs. Coordination among the members of the international community as well as with the Government and the United Nations was crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of all endeavours.

CARLOS RAMIRO MARTINEZ ALVARADO (Guatemala) said Guatemala would continue to support efforts to initiate the reconstruction process in Haiti. It had, right from the start, supported its regional neighbour. Given the catastrophe’s magnitude it had also sent food and tents through global relief agencies. Everything remained to be done and Guatemala thus offered its strong continued support to Haiti. Human rights should be given immediate support. The Council could identity action so that the people could enjoy their social, political, economic and cultural rights. The present situation was sensitive.

EUGENIA GUTIERREZ RUIZ (Costa Rica) said human rights should be mainstreamed in Haiti's recovery. It was essential to give high priority to this situation by aiding this country and responding to the situation of emergency. Efforts of friendly countries should be pursued in order to increase assistance. The Government of Haiti should have ownership of all efforts, and action should be spread over time, and have as a goal the provision of means and tools so that the Haitian people have proper ownership of their situation and development. Human rights should be the thrust of the strategic objectives of all. The action that could be carried out following the Special Session, providing cooperation, training and technical assistance, should give priority attention to vulnerable groups, particularly in the prevention of violence against them. There should be coordination and convergence of all international activities on the reconstruction of Haiti.

DANTE MARTINELLI (Switzerland) said Haitians had to be involved in their own recovery through central and local authorities. The rights to housing and health were fundamental. In that regard, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti must take part in meetings on Haiti due to take place in March. The human rights component had to be integral, even in peace keeping operations. The people needed rapid response assistance, especially children, women, displaced people and the elderly. In the reconstruction phase Switzerland would focus on education and health infrastructure. In the future, it would help Haiti through capacities to manage crises.

DENNIS FRANCIS (Trinidad and Tobago) said more than ever before, putting Haiti on track to meet the welfare needs of its people, quite apart from positioning it to provide a future of sustainable prosperity and progress, would require the concerted and coordinated long-term commitment, in word and in deed, of the international community. In the current situation of dispossession and suffering, the urgency of providing temporary shelter, food, health and sanitation to the Haitian people, especially to the most vulnerable groups, could not be overstated. There should be wholesale cancellation of Haiti's foreign debt, which was a necessary requirement for the freeing of resources to be channelled towards economic development and was quite consistent with the objectives and principles discussed in the Council on the right to development as a matter of human rights. Trinidad and Tobago was robust in its support of the draft resolution currently before the Council, and trusted that the Council, as it alone had the authority and legitimacy to do, would seize the opportunity to call attention to the pre-eminence of the human rights dimensions and the implications of the disaster, and approve Haiti's request for a deferral of its Universal Periodic Review until 2011.

ALVARO ENRIQUE AYALA MELENDEZ (Colombia) said as co-sponsor of this Special Session and in those circumstances, humanitarian assistance ensured the right to life, the most crucial human right. Colombia had sent ship loads of humanitarian assistance to Haiti. It was ready to set up a military hospital. As part of MINUSTAH, Colombia would fulfil its specific responsibilities. Reconstruction would prioritize helping the most vulnerable to exercise their fundamental rights.

HOMERO LUIS HERNANDEZ SANCHEZ (Dominican Republic) said at Montreal, the international community had undertaken to rebuild Haiti over the next 10 years. The Dominican Republic had been hosting thousands of victims, and had been sending electricity generators, food, medicine and equipment, and efforts had been united to send specialised and trained personnel. The Dominican Republic was committed to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Haiti.

JEAN FEYDER (Luxembourg) said Luxembourg had earmarked emergency aid to be used in cooperation with its humanitarian partners for humanitarian needs, as well as to support rehabilitation and reconstruction. It was a priority to ensure human rights during this reconstruction phase, including the right to life. The foundation should be laid for long-term respect of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, and to relieve the country of its long-term reliance on the international community. Foreign debt should be written off, and massive investment be made, particularly in farming. Haiti had the most liberalised economy in the world, and urban drift continued. Jobs had been lost in the agricultural, textile, and industry sectors. These realities should be underscored, and essential changes be made in reconstruction to allow for a change.

AHARON LESHNO-YAAR (Israel) said this natural disaster had inflicted, and continued to inflict, incalculable suffering upon the Haitian people. In response many nations had bound together in a collaborative effort to assist in the search and rescue of those buried under the rubble, as well as the provision of medical aid and humanitarian assistance to the survivors. The international community must also assist the Haitian authorities to prepare for the future. The role and the involvement of the international community did not end at the threshold, but only began there. As the first phase of emergency assistance was coming to an end, Israel was now considering how to further assist the Haitian people in the enormous task of reconstructing the country. Israel would also like to take this opportunity to express its solidarity and future cooperation with the Haitian people.

FEDERICO A. GONZALEZ (Paraguay) said Paraguay had joined the efforts of the international community to contribute to the work of assistance to the victims, search and rescue of survivors, and had sent doctors, medicines, and disaster experts, as well as food and other essentials. The situation was critical from the humanitarian aspect, and there was a collapsed health system. The efforts of the international community were critical in this situation which was unprecedented in Haiti. It was also necessary to provide for recovery and development in the country, and cooperation should be maintained in order to initiate the work of reconstruction. The draft resolution should be adopted, and any effort in reconstruction should be done through the perspective of human rights, and the full enjoyment of these rights, not just civil and political rights but also economic, social and cultural rights, should be boosted in the country.

SITI HAJJAR ADNIN (Malaysia) said the Council gave all members an opportunity to express their support to Haiti in the face of such a calamity. It was crucial in the short term to address humanitarian needs. In the long term, reconstruction would have to go hand in hand with human rights. The international community could best help Haiti through food, medical aid, capacity building measures and with technical assistance. Thus, they would support mechanisms for good governance and the protection of the full spectrum of human rights. Malaysia was ready to support Haiti in its path towards genuine reconstruction and recovery.

MICHEL FORST (Ireland) said the question of human rights should not be hidden by the emergency. Ireland was particularly concerned about the vulnerable position of households, and hoped that special attention could be given to women and girls, who should be protected from sexual aggression. Reconstruction efforts should give pride of place to non-discrimination. The European Union had already provided over 100 million euros for immediate needs and 200 million euros for more long-term activities. The Human Rights Council was meeting today. The role of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti was crucial. The international community, and particularly the United Nations community, was to be congratulated for efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people of Haiti.

SIHASAK PHUANGKETKEOW (Thailand) expressed Thailand’s condolences to Haiti and sympathized with the plight of the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the recent natural disaster. Thailand had pledged an initial sum of $ 100,000 to assist the country. Much more needed to be done to relieve the people of Haiti. The Council’s current session was a reminder that the situation on the ground was urgent. A human rights based approach to reconstruction and recovery would bolster efforts on the ground and speed up that process. Haiti had to lay the foundations for democracy in the long term. In that regard, Thailand was ready to work with the international community to ensure that that happened.

Mr. O. RHEE HETANANG (Botswana) said it was during times such as this that the common resolve of humanity, particularly under the global membership such as that of the United Nations and its specialised agencies and bodies, was put to the test regarding the nobility of the principle of global humanitarianism. It was apposite that the international community, gathered here today, issue a strong message underlining the human rights dimension of this disaster. Other initiatives were also welcome, particularly those outlined by the representative of Haiti in his statement this morning. The immediate relief efforts following the tragedy and continuing work in this regard were most commendable. Botswana was confident that the Human Rights Council would adopt a strong outcome document that would reassure the people of Haiti of the genuine goodwill to secure protection and promotion of their human rights - a challenge which the Human Rights Council must remain attentive to under all circumstances. Such a strong message would be most timely, following the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution five days ago, in responding to the devastation that had seized the attention of the international community.

HAMID BAEIDI NEJAD (Iran) said now that the rescue operation was almost over, the focus should be shifted to relief and recovery as well as reconstruction of the basic infrastructures of the country, which had been largely devastated. There was also an urgent need to address appropriately the difficulties arising in areas such as the right to food, adequate housing, health care, water and sanitation, education and civil registry, as well as taking care of the vulnerable situation of women and children. The military presence in Haiti should be aimed at ensuring the necessary security ground for providing humanitarian aid to the people in need, and should be in line with internationally-recognised human rights norms and standards, with full accountability and responsibility. A heavy military presence of foreign forces in Haiti and its short and long-term consequences would constitute a cause of serious concern, and could pose a further delay in the process of providing relief and humanitarian assistance as well as the recovery and reconstruction of Haiti. Iran hoped the decisions and recommendations issuing from the Special Session would be in the best interest of the Haitian people in this time of crisis and difficulties.

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