Human Rights Council opens Special Session on Support to Recovery process in Haiti: A Human Rights approach

The Human Rights Council this morning opened a 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".

Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaking on behalf of High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay who was not well, said the Human Rights Council today stood in solidarity with the victims of the disaster. The bravery and mutual solidarity in the face of immense tragedy was heartening. The earthquake not only exacted a massive toll in lives and livelihoods, but also destroyed infrastructure. The effects were further exacerbated by previous conditions of poverty, instability, and feeble institutions. International organizations and the international community had pledged to help Haiti beyond the immediate relief efforts to sustain effective development policies, bolster good governance, and improve access to good services, and for this, initiatives had to be anchored in human rights, ensuring that the root causes of vulnerabilities, namely poverty and discrimination, could be addressed. The paramount goal must be to ensure that Haitian people achieved their rights in full, and this could not be postponed until more favourable conditions prevailed. It had to be made part and parcel of the action undertaken right now.

Haiti, speaking as the concerned country, said that Haiti was now at its lowest ebb but it took comfort from the major international drive and generosity that would be forever embedded in its memory. Now, the world had to cast another look at Haiti, to create a genuine plan to help it cope with natural disasters and to help its people access food, water, work, a healthy environment and to improve their lifestyles thus removing them from the shackles of poverty. The recent earthquake had come as a blow to Haiti’s economic and social rights that were precarious until then. It had destroyed many official buildings taking with it files and archives that were the backbone of Haiti’s national life.

Celso Amorim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, said in the globalised world of today, the destruction of Port-au-Prince and other Haitian cities could not be seen but as a tragedy for humanity as a whole. Haiti was certainly today the major challenge to the international community's ability to help rebuild a devastated country in a way that preserved its sovereignty and, at the same time, set the conditions for a sustained cycle of social and economic development with greater security, democracy, and full enjoyment of human rights. The protection and promotion of all human rights- economic, political, social, civil, cultural and the right to development- should also be mainstreamed in the efforts of relief and reconstruction of Haiti.

Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, said despite best efforts, too many people in Haiti had not received the assistance they urgently needed. A catastrophe of such scale demanded immediate and massive humanitarian action. The international community needed to provide adequate assistance at the earliest. The first priority should focus on medical assistance, water, sanitation, food and shelter. Coordination and logistics would be crucial for effective relief efforts. Help must reach those who desperately needed water, food, medical supplies and shelter. There must also be a focus on the future, as the weeks and months ahead would need to see a shift from emergency response to longer-term recovery.

Michel Forst, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, said no one could have imagined the scale of such a catastrophe in Haiti. Although now the priority was humanitarian assistance, human rights should not be eclipsed by it. The most vulnerable people were also the most fragile including women, children, internally displaced people and the elderly. Poverty was a violation of human rights. Human rights issues had to be at the heart of discussions and the Human Rights Council was the best place to deliver points in that regard. Progress had been made on civil and political rights. The Human Rights Council should meet in one year to see how far human rights in the reconstruction process had been implemented.

Walter Kaelin, Representative of the Secretary-General for the human rights of internally displaced persons, said natural disasters and the way in which international organizations responded to them had clear human rights implications. Due to inappropriate policies and weak capacities to respond to disasters and reconstruction, it was crucial to reinforce a human rights-based approach to emergency relief and recovery, which would treat victims as autonomous beings with rights and ensure that they had equal access to protection and assistance through independent and transparent monitoring systems. The duty to protect and the physical integrity of people should go hand in hand with protecting them against secondary natural hazards and ensuring their human rights.

Among issues raised by other speakers was that humanitarian assistance provided to Haiti should fully respect the principles of humanity, impartiality and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the concerned State, which should be given the primary role and ownership of recovery processes that included coordinating all international assistance activities on its soil. Reconstruction efforts must be based on national priorities, take into account disaster-risk reduction principles, respect the aid effectiveness principles, and address the necessity of reinforcing Haiti's institutions to enable them to fulfil their basic governance functions. While the aid was coming in quickly, there was also a need to be careful that the victims of the disaster were not further victimised by the response. It was imperative for the Human Rights Council to pronounce itself as the foremost United Nations body charged with the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly that in most cases, those in charge of disaster response were too busy distributing aid to think about the human rights implications of their actions.

The Council also held a minute of silence to honour the victims of the earthquake.

Speaking this morning were the representatives of Pakistan for the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Jamaica for the Caribbean Community Member States, Spain on behalf of the European Union, Colombia on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, Nigeria for the African Group, Egypt for the Non-Aligned Movement, Cuba, Indonesia, France, Norway, Nicaragua, Bahrain, Chile, Qatar, India, Mauritius, Mexico, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Uruguay, Bolivia, China, Russian Federation, Argentina, Netherlands, and Ukraine. Representatives of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Children’s Fund also took the floor.

The Council will meet this afternoon at 3 p.m. to continue with the Special Session.

Opening Statements

ALEX VAN MEEUWEN, President of the Human Rights Council, said he congratulated the ability of the Council to grasp, at all times, all critical situations, no matter where they took place. Haiti was paying today the heavy price of a natural catastrophe which had devastated a whole country and cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of victims.

The Council then held a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the earthquake.

KYUNG-WHA KANG, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaking on behalf of High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who was not feeling well today, said the Human Rights Council today stood in solidarity with the victims of the disaster. The Government of Haiti had confirmed 150,000 dead, and thousands more lay under the rubble. Many more lacked food, water, and were homeless. The United Nations family was also in mourning, and commemorated all those who died, whilst upholding the survivors. The bravery and mutual solidarity in the face of immense tragedy was heartening. The earthquake not only exacted a massive toll in lives and livelihoods, but also destroyed infrastructure. The effects were further exacerbated by previous conditions of poverty, instability, and feeble institutions, resulting from policies imposed during the Duvalier regime. The congestion of urban centres had ever since been a cause of abuse and heightened sensibilities to natural disasters. Living conditions in rural areas remained culpably neglected. The United Nations had worked to remedy the situation over many years, in collaboration with activists and others who were determined to be their own enablers.

Ms. Kang said the aid effort was now well underway and many countries had made generous contributions. More humanitarian workers were deployed every day to assist those on the ground working already to help those desperately in need. International organizations and the international community had pledged to help Haiti beyond the immediate relief efforts to sustain effective development policies, bolster good governance, and improve access to good services, and for this, initiatives had to be anchored in human rights, ensuring that the root causes of vulnerabilities, namely poverty and discrimination, could be addressed. Drawing from lessons learned in the past, there must be a prevention and curb to those violations that often occurred in post-disaster situations, with efforts made to protect the most vulnerable, including the disabled, poor, the elderly, women and children, who were most at risk. All concerned parties should heed UNICEF's call, and spare no effort to reunite children with their families. Also alarming were reports of summary executions of escaped prisoners, carried out by angry mobs. The rule of law had to be quickly established in cities and elsewhere.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had dispatched a team to assess the immediate human rights needs of the population, and help to carry out an integrated plan. Haiti must be built back better, reconstructing and rehabilitating the national human rights systems through an independent judiciary and a reliable national human rights institute, with a civil society empowered to be an active partner in these endeavours. The paramount goal must be to ensure that Haitian people achieved their rights in full, and this could not be postponed until more favourable conditions prevailed- it had to be made part and parcel of the action undertaken right now.

Statement by Concerned Country

JEAN-CLAUDE PIERRE (Haiti) thanked the Human Rights Council for holding the Special Session on Haiti following the violent earthquake that had devastated the capital city and other parts of the island. Haiti thanked Brazil for spearheading the Session and the other 37 delegations which had co-sponsored it for their support. The earthquake had killed roughly 150,000 people and left at least 1.5 million people homeless. Haiti expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the international community for all its assistance so far, as well as deep condolences to United Nations staff who had lost their lives and to those who had incurred material damage. Haiti was now at its lowest ebb but it took comfort from the major international drive and generosity that would be forever embedded in its memory.

Now, the world had to cast another look at Haiti, to create a genuine plan to help it cope with natural disasters and to help its people access food, water, work, a healthy environment and to improve their lifestyles thus removing them from the shackles of poverty. In that regard, Haiti welcomed the holding of the Donors Conference that had just taken place in Canada on 25 January and welcomed the conference on reconstruction that had been hosted by France. The recent earthquake had come as a blow to Haiti’s economic and social rights that were precarious until then. It had destroyed many official buildings taking with it files and archives that were the backbone of Haiti’s national life. He questioned Haiti’s ability to come forward and contribute to the Universal Periodic Review. Thus, on behalf of his country, he sought the deferment of consideration of that report to a later date.

Keynote Statements

CELSO AMORIM, Foreign Minister of Brazil, said in the globalised world of today, the destruction of Port-au-Prince and other Haitian cities could not be seen but as a tragedy for humanity as a whole. Haiti was certainly today the major challenge to the international community's ability to help rebuild a devastated country in a way that preserved its sovereignty and, at the same time, set the conditions for a sustained cycle of social and economic development with greater security, democracy, and full enjoyment of human rights. In Brazil's view, security, humanitarian aid, and social and economic development could not be viewed separately. They were the indivisible elements of a lasting and effective response by the international community, under the irreplaceable leadership of Haitians themselves, to the consequences of the earthquake. Generous offer of resources to alleviate suffering was essential, and the international community had responded to the emergency. But placating sadness and expressing sorrow was not enough - the international community must be sure that in helping to meet the urgent need for food, water and health care, it was also helping the Haitian people to enhance their self-esteem and dignity.

As prescribed by the Vienna Declaration, the protection and promotion of human rights was a matter of priority for the international community. The Council had a legal mandate and a moral obligation to promote human rights through dialogue and cooperation and to respond promptly to human rights emergencies. In no other circumstances were these directives more applicable than to Haiti today. In this time of emergency, the international community was focused on providing immediate assistance to the people of Haiti - however, the challenges of recovery and reconstruction, not only of buildings, but also of institutions, lay ahead. The convening of this session demonstrated the collective will to help Haiti in this difficult hour of pain and loss. The protection and promotion of all human rights- economic, political, social, civil, cultural and the right to development- should also be mainstreamed in the efforts of relief and reconstruction of Haiti. Endemic poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and widespread unemployment, not to speak of the absence of conditions for decent work, were all part of the vicious cycle that Haiti was trying to break before the disaster. They would not disappear when the relief teams left, and the TV cameras moved elsewhere. That was why the attention of the Council to Haiti was so important.

DIPU MONI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, said as the death toll was rising, the international community was beginning to realise the extent of the horrendous destruction. As a show of solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti, Bangladesh was sending a team of 30 medical personnel and medical supplies to join the relief and rehabilitation efforts. The team would have already been on the ground had it not been for the present difficulty in reaching Haiti. Bangladesh was also offering two formed police units to support efforts in maintaining peace and security in the affected areas. Despite best efforts, too many people had not received the assistance they urgently needed. A catastrophe of such scale demanded immediate and massive humanitarian action and the international community needed to provide adequate assistance at the earliest. The first priority should focus on medical assistance, water, sanitation, food and shelter. Coordination and logistics would be crucial for effective relief efforts. Help must reach those who desperately needed water, food, medical supplies and shelter.

Ms. Moni said there must also be a focus on the future, as the weeks and months ahead would need to see a shift from emergency response to longer-term recovery. It was crucial to ensure support for Haiti's long-term reconstruction and development. Sustained focus would be needed in the years ahead, and the international community and the United Nations system had to play a key role in this. The United Nations should increase support for strengthening the disaster-preparedness capacity, and integrating disaster-risk reduction into its development strategies and programmes. The best guarantee against future catastrophes, whether in Haiti or elsewhere, was capacity building for disaster preparedness, self-reliance, and sustainability. States also needed to adopt legislative and other measures to integrate disaster risk reduction strategies into development planning. International cooperation should be undertaken to broaden the use of national and local capacities for disaster response. Recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction, as well as the transition to development, should be carried out in a coordinated manner. Efforts should also be made to put in place a mechanism for supporting the long-term economic recovery of the Haitian people.

MICHEL FORST, Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Haiti, said that over two weeks ago he had expressed his sympathy on the recent tragedy in Haiti. No one could have imagined the scale of such a catastrophe. Although now the priority was humanitarian assistance, human rights should not be eclipsed by it. The most vulnerable people were also the most fragile including women, children, internally displaced people and the elderly. Poverty was a violation of human rights. Some had argued that as the country had been plunged in grief perhaps it was too early to address human rights. He disagreed. Human rights issues had to be at the heart of discussions and the Human Rights Council was the best place to deliver points in that regard. After several recent visits to Haiti, observations and meetings with Government and civil society actors, it had become clear that nothing could be done without the Haitian leadership. They had to decide the line of action for their country in line with its sovereignty. On governance, mayors had to decide on the country’s future as they knew best what the people’s needs and expectations were, in terms of allowing them to access their rights. That was the meaning of a decentralization programme, which gave power back to the people by earmarking funds for their human rights.

Progress had been made on civil and political rights. Security had improved with far less kidnappings and gang leaders having been arrested. The earthquake had affected such progress. Haiti had taken charge of the problem and committed, with the international community, to tackle the problem. Violence against women, trafficking and adoption had also become a cause for concern. There could not be any justice without development or any development without justice. Without human rights, neither would be possible. Reconstruction had to be looked at through a human rights based approach. The United Nations activities were marked by such an approach. The rule of law had to be at the heart of reconstruction. He urged the Human Rights Council to keep Haiti on its programme of work and to meet in one year to see how far human rights had been implemented in the reconstruction process.

WALTER KAELIN, Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, expressed his sadness at the recent earthquake that had struck Haiti. He said that natural disasters and the way in which international organizations responded to them had clear human rights implications. The Special Session of the Human Rights Council would focus on addressing various human rights challenges faced by those who had been affected by the disaster. Under his mandate, he had relied on Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement to work on the linkages between human rights and natural disasters. Disasters exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and human rights concerns affecting women, children and HIV-AIDS carriers, and worsened discrimination and existing social inequalities. Thus, non-discrimination was a vital human rights principle and a major post-disaster challenge for ensuring assistance. Due to inappropriate policies and weak capacities to respond to disasters and reconstruction, it was crucial to reinforce a human rights based approach to emergency relief and recovery. It would treat victims as autonomous beings with rights and ensure that they had equal access to protection and assistance through independent and transparent monitoring systems.

The duty to protect and the physical integrity of people should go hand in hand with protecting them against secondary natural hazards and ensuring their human rights. Protecting the basic social rights of victims required immediate assistance and carefully planned early recovery measures, including funding that would ideally begin during the emergency phase. That would include re-establishing local governance structures, state protection institutions and basic services such as healthcare, schools, water and sanitation. Assistance measures should not neglect host communities and host families who shared the burden of helping those who had been affected by the disaster. Sustainable solutions protected internally displaced persons who had been afflicted by the earthquake.

STEPHEN TULL, of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the search and rescue phase was now effectively over, and was very successful compared to previous experiences, with more than 130 people rescued by over 50 international teams, and countless others by the affected Haitian people themselves. There was still a very urgent health crisis to deal with all those needing operations and post-operative care, intensive care and life-saving drugs for their injuries. Many field hospitals had arrived, and more were on the way. At least 150 health organizations were now on the ground. The other two most urgent priorities were water and food: about 200,000 people had received potable water, but there was still a long way to go to restore predictable supplies to the estimated 500,000 currently in need. Food was a particular challenge because of its bulk and the massive need, estimated at around two million people.

The next top priority was shelter as there was a massive need for tents, considering the estimates of one million people homeless. There was also a need for sites for camps, and to equip them with water and sanitation facilities plus other basic services. The security situation was generally calm despite sporadic incidents, but there were obviously particular risks with distributions of essential items, particularly in the first phase when people were in such urgent need. On the logistics side, it was worth remembering that for the past two weeks, food and water had to be provided, as well as supplying a city of three million, using only one runway. On coordination, the overall responsibility naturally rested with the Government. Cooperation had been very good with all concerned, despite the inevitable occasional glitches and time needed to fully systematise the arrangements. The funding picture had been encouraging in general. OCHA was concerned that the pre-existing human rights challenges and related vulnerabilities would inevitably have been exacerbated by the earthquake, and urged that the different needs of particularly vulnerable groups were incorporated into the wider humanitarian and early recovery strategies.

Mr. DERMOT, of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said that the recent tragedy in Haiti had impacted all aspects of the lives of children. The race to provide them with food, shelter, protection and care was underway. There was no article in the Convention on the Rights of the Child that was not relevant to the adversities faced by the children of Haiti. The vulnerability of children without parents was particularly notable. Currently Haiti was conducive to more exploitation and trafficking. Reports of such activities were already under investigation. Prior to the earthquake, children were also being abandoned mainly for social and economic reasons. Concerns over such matters had increased manifold after the earthquake. It was essential to register, trace and reunite unaccompanied and lost children, including those that had been living in care and orphanages before the earthquake. The illegal removal of children had to be prevented and was even more critical at present. It was more vital that those who had ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child adhere to it without exception. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, children had to be found and kept alive and safe. Adherence to international standards had to go hand in hand with scaling up of services and care for all children of Haiti. UNICEF was committed to such efforts.

General Debate

ZAMIR AKRAM (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said the Organization of the Islamic Conference countries had responded to the call for assistance made by the Government of Haiti in the wake of this unprecedented catastrophe. This cooperation and assistance, in coordination with the rest of the international community, would ensure a quick and steady recovery process in line with the expressed needs and priorities of Haiti. Broad support for holding the Special Session was an indication and an example that the forum of the Human Rights Council could be used better to meaningfully promote human rights, through a constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, taking into account the needs for technical and material assistance, and with the consent of the State concerned. The Organization of the Islamic Conference hoped that the outcome resolution of this Special Session would duly respond to the purpose of this Session, supporting the international community and the Government of Haiti in their efforts to strengthen the recovery process, taking into account the importance of a broader human rights perspective. Humanitarian assistance provided to Haiti should fully respect the principles of humanity, impartiality and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the concerned State, which should be given the primary role and ownership of recovery processes that included coordinating all international assistance activities on its soil.

ANDREA DUBIDAD-DIXON (Jamaica), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community Member States in Geneva, expressed deep heartfelt sympathies on the recent tragedy that had struck Haiti. In the wake of the disaster, the Caribbean Community Member States in Geneva had focused on search, rescue, emergency aid, shelter and communication. In terms of aid they were dealing with health, while medical teams were already supplying water and blankets and other aid. Eight of the Community’s members had contributed $ 4 million towards relief efforts. They would remain engaged in rehabilitation and reconstruction processes in the country. The Caribbean Community Member States in Geneva met to discuss coordinating relief efforts in the Dominican Republic in mid January. An international meeting in March would discuss a strategic plan in that regard. The magnitude of the disaster required massive international relief. The Caribbean Community Member States in Geneva expressed its support for a deferment of Haiti’s report scheduled to be considered by the Universal Periodic Review.

PERE MARZABAL MARTINEZ, (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the European Union called for, in due course and after post-emergency needs had been fully assessed, an international conference, and in this context it welcomed the launching of a coordinated Post Disaster Needs Assessment with the United Nations and the World Bank. Reconstruction efforts must be based on national priorities, take into account disaster-risk reduction principles, respect the aid effectiveness principles, and address the necessity of reinforcing Haiti's institutions to enable them to fulfil their basic governance functions. It was important to emphasise the reconstruction efforts by the Haitian people. Although the European Union considered that the situation caused by the recent earthquake was currently essentially of a humanitarian character, the current humanitarian emergency affected the enjoyment of human rights by the people of Haiti. Protecting human rights in humanitarian crises and avoiding discrimination in the distribution of aid was essential for effective relief and sustainable recovery. The international community should step up its support to good governance, and strengthen the capacity of Haitian authorities to uphold the rule of law and provide security. All the appropriate measures aimed at preventing human rights violations and ensuring respect for and fulfilment of all human rights should be taken.

ANGELINO GARZON (Colombia), speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, said the Group called on the international community to provide all its support to Haiti. Colombia had been shocked at the recent disaster that had ravaged Haiti and expressed its deep sympathies to the people and the Government. It was thought that 3 million persons had been seriously affected by the tragedy. It threatened the fundamental right to life of the population. The disaster had made immediate basic humanitarian assistance in terms of food, access to water and health imperative. Countries had taken measures to grapple with the emergency situation. The Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries could not deny that global mobilization had been enormous but the magnitude of the recent catastrophe demanded more from it. The Group hoped that the international community would be able to raise the $ 575 million required to cover the most urgent demands in the next six months. The global community was obligated to address the catastrophe from a human rights view point, especially the rights of children, women and the elderly.

MOHAMMED HAIDARA, (Nigeria), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said 15 days after this most tragic disaster to befall Haiti in recent years, the stark reality of the situation stared the international community in the face, prompting humanity to action, conscious of the bond that bound all together, irrespective of race, colour, class or creed. The devastating effects of the earthquake laid bare the significance of the assertion that economic, social and cultural rights were the mother of all rights. The collapse of basic infrastructure in Haiti in the aftermath could not have made this point any clearer. The African Group was not only convinced of the need to respond to the human rights dimension of the situation, but that it also needed to be treated with great urgency. A vigorous national and international response was needed. However, as the international community focused squarely on the relief effort, it needed to take into account the human rights dimension. As terrible as the situation was for all Haitians, there was an urgent need for physical security to protect them against violence and provide basic necessities. While the aid was coming in quickly, there was also a need to be careful that the victims of the disaster were not further victimised by the response. It was imperative for the Human Rights Council to pronounce itself as the foremost United Nations body charged with the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly that in most cases, those in charge of disaster response were too busy distributing aid to think about the human rights implications of their actions.

HISHAM BADR (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said the Council had to focus on ways of bolstering genuine international cooperation to help Haiti tackle human rights challenges in the aftermath of the catastrophe. The Non-Aligned Movement welcomed Haiti’s support in that regard. This critical situation threatened the country’s ability to uphold its human rights obligations, especially with regard to the right to food, housing, water and sanitation. It was crucial to pay attention to vulnerable groups including women, children and the elderly. The Non-Aligned Movement called on the international community to respond swiftly in assisting the country towards recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. It was vital to follow up on international pledges. The international community had a duty to help Haiti realize its human rights, including the right to development. Humanitarian assistance should respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and bear in mind the country’s sovereignty and its needs and priorities.

RODOLFO REYES RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said the holding of the Special Session was a clear example of what the Council could do in the field of cooperation. There was no human right that had not been affected by the disaster in Haiti. When the earthquake occurred, Cuba did not need to go to Haiti, it was already there as part of a broad programme of cooperation with its sister Republic. Cuban collaboration in Haiti extended to the medical sector, agriculture, energy, fishing, communications, and the education sector. When the earthquake struck, about 400 Cuban doctors were in the country, now, there were more than 500, and they were working in 23 health centres. It was essential to strengthen multilateralism. It was up to the United Nations to play the central role in coordinating all efforts of the international community in order to attend to the identified priorities of assistance. The Haitian people had been the victims of colonialism, and had suffered more than others the sequels of colonialism and the inequalities of capitalism. The response to the emergency must be accompanied by an overall and sustainable plan for the economic reconstruction of the country which would allow its noble people to fully enjoy their right to development.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) said the current Special Session must highlight the needs of the people of Haiti so as to ensure that their fundamental human rights, including their rights to food, medicine and adequate healthcare and assistance, were taken care of. The Council should also address the situation of vulnerable groups in the country, namely children, women, elderly, disabled, minorities, and internally displaced persons. This was the moment where the promotion of fundamental rights through constructive dialogue was taking place, and the Special Session should add value to the ongoing humanitarian operation on the ground. Most developing countries lacked the capacity to provide swift and timely relief to victims, as well as to conduct the necessary rehabilitation and recovery programmes at a later stage - thus, the need for the international community to continue to assist Haiti, not only in the emergency relief stage, but also in the reconstruction and rehabilitation stage, should not be forgotten. In the face of the increasing incidence of serious disasters globally, and as highlighted by Haiti, there was clearly still room for improvement of international cooperation on disaster management. Partnerships must be strengthened at all levels in order to provide consistent and continuous support.

JEAN-BAPTISTE MATTEI (France) said faced with the scope of the catastrophe in Haiti, the international community had rapidly and massively mobilised, giving true meaning to the values of solidarity and fraternity. Aid had flowed in from around the entire world. The United Nations agencies had immediately launched an appeal for international financial solidarity. The European Union and its Member States had put in place humanitarian aid and made exceptional financial commitments for reconstruction. Non-governmental organizations had spared no effort to come to the aid of the victims. France had made a particular effort to assist the people and authorities of Haiti, to which they were linked by history and shared values. The reaction of the international community could not however stop there, to be limited to humanitarian assistance, however precious this was, it should prepare for the reconstruction of Haiti, in the mid- and long-term. This was also the sense of the request for holding the Special Session. The earthquake had unarguably affected the enjoyment of human rights by the Haitians. The access to food, drinking water or housing had become a distant reality, inaccessible for the majority of the population. The resolution under consideration today took into account the particular vulnerabilities of the population, and it should be adopted by consensus.

BENTE ANGELL-HANSEN (Norway) said the Haiti earthquake was a humanitarian disaster that had struck those living in poverty in the country. The United Nations had responded in an effective manner, playing a key role on the ground. Haiti’s tremendous needs would grow in the weeks to come. Thus, the global community had to show solidarity. Norway had so far contributed $ 35 million to the United Nations to help Haiti. The Council had a key role to play in promoting and protecting human rights during such a disaster context. A human rights slant was crucial to relief and reconstruction efforts. It was crucial to address the needs of vulnerable groups including women, children and the elderly. Separated children were among the most vulnerable groups. Their right to food, health, sanitation and shelter had to be addressed. The Government and the United Nations had to ensure the protection of girls and women in line with gender based violence guidelines. Women had to play a key role in recovery and reconstruction. It was crucial to bear in mind the situation of internally displaced persons in line with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

CARLOS ROBELO RAFFONE (Nicaragua) said it was comforting to appreciate the immediate response of the international community, and the great efforts made to respond effectively and efficiently to such a tragedy in Haiti. However, Haiti's situation of marginalisation was a product of the colonial, imperial and capitalist system imposed from outside by those who were now seeking appreciation of their compassionate conduct. Each representative of countries tried to display the leadership role of their Governments and their efforts to aid Haiti. If this was an attempt to politicise a humanitarian catastrophe where politics were an unnecessary intruder, it was a cancer cancelling the efforts of those trying to help and not to stand out. Nicaragua appealed to the United Nations so that it, through the mandate in its Charter, took a lead role in rebuilding Haiti and made its voice heard among all States. No one should arrogate the right to lead a defenceless people that was suffering and dying in this tragedy. Some foreign powers were taking advantage of the situation by occupying with exaggerated military numbers certain areas, hampering and impeding the delivery of assistance. This was a reality on the ground which could not be ignored.

AMMAR EBRAHIM RAJAB (Bahrain) expressed Bahrain’s condolences to Haiti following the deadly earthquake that had killed, injured and displaced millions. It had caused a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country. There was a key role to be played in rapid response initiatives. Bahrain supported private, civil society and international efforts. Bahrain had given Haiti $ 1 million as a gift. It urged the international community to continue efforts to assist Haiti. In that regard, Bahrain had offered its capacity building efforts.

CARLOS PORTALES (Chile) said the media had shown the tragedy being endured on a daily basis in Haiti, where the terrible damage had caused consternation. There was a very special obligation to protect the rights of the children in Haiti. The international community had responded firmly to the disaster, sending health staff, rescuing people, and providing material assistance. There was no more urgent task than recovering survivors, helping the injured, fighting disease and providing food. The reconstruction of Haiti must be materialised with the full participation of the Haitian people and the authorities, and this should strengthen democratic institutions, foster economic and social development, and strengthen the economy. The Human Rights Council must come out constructively about the need to guarantee respect for the human rights of all victims and survivors. It was necessary and timely for the international community to reiterate its commitment to cooperate with Haiti to ensure that the civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights of all those involved were protected and promoted, in particular for women and children, and to ensure that this tragedy did not mean a step backwards in protecting and promoting human rights. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and United Nations system had a fundamental role to play in ensuring that the reconstruction of Haiti took place from a human rights perspective.

KHALID FAHAD AL-HAJRI (Qatar) paid tribute to victims of the Haiti earthquake, including United Nations officials who had perished. It was essential to examine the country’s situation. A range of international bodies had come to Haiti’s aid since the disaster. Qatar had sent considerable material assistance, including a search and rescue team and aid to Haiti. Qatar called on the global community to continue its support to Haiti. The Human Rights Council had to pursue its efforts in supporting Haiti in promoting economic and social rights and in the country’s reconstruction process. Qatar pledged its solidarity in helping the global community assist Haiti in overcoming the effects of the recent catastrophe.

KHEYA BAHATTACHARYA (India) said while there was no doubt that humanitarian assistance remained the most important and urgent requirement in the country, there was a significant and immediate additional challenge that needed to be addressed and made the situation different from many other cases that were victims of similar natural disasters: this challenge related to the human rights dimension of the tragedy in the light of the country's recent past, its capacity constraints and the scale of the tragedy, something that had made it imperative that the Council focus on it as a priority. It was important that the immediate recovery process in the country be guided, inter alia, by the basic principles of a rights-based approach. As for medium- and long-term issues, while it would be desirable to wait for more detailed assessments of the situation on the ground, it was important to underscore the determination for a sustained commitment to the country's recovery, while reiterating the need for a rights-based approach during the rebuilding of the country's governance infrastructure. The collective approach should be guided by the basic principles of humanitarian assistance, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and consent of the affected country. In view of the extensive damage caused by the calamity, India supported the request to postpone the review of Haiti under the Universal Periodic Review.

SHREE BABOO CHEKITAN SERVANSING (Mauritius) said the recent catastrophe in Haiti had threatened a range of rights including the right to life, food, water, housing and sanitation, putting vulnerable groups such as women and children at greater risk. It has also shown the daunting task faced by the international community, which has been compounded by other threats such as the global food and financial crisis. It was crucial to ensure that the phase from international relief to development efforts was in line with principles enshrined in international law and international humanitarian law. That called for the need to bolster global economic and technical cooperation. Mauritius had given Haiti $ 500,000 for the reconstruction process. Apart from reconstruction efforts, it was crucial for the United Nations to usher Haiti towards sustainable development by helping it tackle its huge structural constraints with donor support and the Government at the forefront of such initiatives. The Human Rights Council had to remain seized of the current situation in Haiti and ensure that Haitians enjoyed their full human rights.

JUAN JOSE GOMEZ CAMACHO (Mexico) said Mexico would maintain an active presence in the long-term reconstruction of Haiti, and had joined in the efforts of the international community to alleviate this disaster. The support of Mexico would remain in effect until Haiti was once again on the path to development. The United Nations' work in the field was particularly appreciated. The earthquake had had a very strong impact on the effective enjoyment of human rights in Haiti, and it was therefore urgent for the international community to give adequate protection and assistance to vulnerable groups such as children, the disabled, and the displaced, as well as to cover the basic needs of the people, such as food, shelter, health and education, and international efforts should be stepped up to bring about the re-establishment of Haiti. The evaluation of the situation to be submitted by the joint team of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the High Commission for Refugees would be of great usefulness for the Council to strengthen technical assistance to Haiti and in fostering measures to speed the recovery of the country from a human rights perspective. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) had an important component for the protection and promotion of human rights. Mexico supported the proposal to bolster and strengthen MINUSTAH’s presence as this would help guarantee the rule of law in Haiti, and support the flow of humanitarian assistance. The support to the Government should create plans for reconstruction but also for the protection and promotion of human rights.

LAURA MIRACHIAN (Italy) said everybody around the world was doing their part, United Nations organizations and agencies, the European Union, Governments, the International Committee of the Red Cross and local and international non-governmental organizations. At the moment, collective efforts were concentrated on emergency relief and on immediate response to the material needs of the Haitian people. There was a need for immediate results, to provide shelters, water and food to those who had lost everything - but reconstruction would also be needed in the long term. Everybody recognised that the crucial issue was coordination of international help. This should be done under the aegis of the United Nations. An international donors conference should be held once post-emergency needs had been accurately assessed, and on that occasion, the international community should tackle structural and material needs as well as support to reinforcing Haitian institutions, good governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights, and prevention of abuses. There should be full integration of a human rights-based approach in the relief and reconstruction efforts; special attention should be paid to the situation of internally displaced persons and to the most vulnerable groups, such as women, children and the elderly. All catastrophic events had a human rights dimension, and this one was no exception. This Special Session should bring a positive contribution to the ongoing efforts to alleviate the dire situation of the population affected by the earthquake.

ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) expressed Saudi Arabia’s deepest sympathies in the wake of the recent tragedy in Haiti. The Human Rights Council bore the responsibility of alleviating the suffering of man. Despite humanitarian assistance and pledges the magnitude of the catastrophe required more help. Cooperation and participation in relief and assistance efforts were vital. Saudi Arabia had provided
$ 50 million to Haiti. It was indeed a huge humanitarian crisis that needed the Council’s support for Haiti’s plight. In that regard, Saudi Arabia supported the draft resolution to help lift Haiti out of its misery.

KENICHI SUGANUMA (Japan) said in light of the scope of the tragedy, it was essential that the Human Rights Council, which had made constructive efforts to improve the human rights situation in Haiti, send a strong message that showed international solidarity during the reconstruction of the country, while ensuring the protection of the human rights of its citizens, now and from a mid- to long-term perspective. Japan was actively supporting Haiti in the wake of this disaster. The international community must now reach out to Haitian citizens living under so much uncertainty and provide them with hope as they began their recovery. As a country that had lived through many major earthquakes, Japan, in cooperation with the international community, would mobilise its expertise and techniques for long-term reconstruction plans and future disaster prevention. In the aftermath of big disasters, widespread human rights abuse often occurred, and Japan would like to call for the Independent Expert on Haiti, based on his mandate, to closely monitor and assess the human rights situation in Haiti during the reconstruction process, and make necessary recommendations to be followed during the recovery process.

LAURA DUPUY LASSERRE (Uruguay) said Uruguay expressed its sympathy at the tragedy that had struck Haiti. Uruguay endorsed the Human Rights Council’ s support for human rights in Haiti alongside other international bodies, welcoming moves towards needs assessments and possibly cooperation to meet the country’s most pressing needs. For its part, Uruguay had provided two potable water units and five technicians to install them. It would also be prepared to send construction and medical staff. Once the emergency phase had passed, social reconstruction would have to take place. In that regard, the right to identity was fundamental. He expressed Uruguay’s support to rapidly identifying children that had been separated from their families, many of whom remained in shelters and orphanages.

ANGELICA NAVARRO (Bolivia) said the terrible earthquake which shook the city of Port-au-Prince had been the most violent and lethal in the history of the Caribbean, and the international community must respond in solidarity without the slightest political consideration to the needs of the people, and carry this out in a broad framework of respect for the human rights of Haiti. The enjoyment of the rights to food, drinking water, and essential services were the necessities of the moment. The best way to
support Haiti was to immediately cancel external debt, and provide financial assistance without any expectation of repayment. The international community would be helping Haiti if those Haitians living abroad were allowed to live and freely repatriate funds. MINUSTAH should work in cooperation with the Government and strengthen respect for human rights in all its activities. The High Commissioner and the Independent Expert should work with the Government to identify current challenges and cooperate on human rights. An overall plan of solidarity for rebuilding Haiti should be based on health, financial support, energy, food and agriculture initiatives, education, migration, reconstruction, security, transport and logistics.

QIAN BO (China) said the spirit of solidarity and cooperation displayed by the Council on this issue was commended, and the Chinese people had profound sympathy and condolences for those who had lost lives and property in the earthquake. Right after the earthquake, China dispatched a 60-strong rescue team to Haiti, and had provided millions of yuan in assistance, material, and cash aid. China, as current President of the Security Council, had also been in close contact and cooperation with all parties concerned, and worked actively for the adoption of resolution 1908, expanding the role of MINUSTAH and giving it a greater role in the reconstruction. The United Nations should play a greater role in coordinating and assisting humanitarian assistance. The Council should enhance its coordination with the Government, other United Nations bodies and civil society. China was ready to work with the international community in helping the Haitian people to get back on their feet.

VALERY LOSHCHININ (Russian Federation) said the international solidarity for Haiti was timely and it was gratifying to see it in action. A leading role had to be played by the United Nations closely with Haiti. The United Nations had to be at the forefront of raising donor funds for Haiti. The Human Rights Council could not be indifferent to the country’s human rights and humanitarian concerns. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Russian Federation was one of the first countries to support Haiti. The humanitarian effort had entered a reconstruction phase. It was crucial to ensure that that embodied humanity, neutrality, impartiality and that it respected the sovereignty of Haiti, bearing in mind the Haitian Government’s agreement and support. The Russian Federation would continue to provide friendly support for Haiti.

ERNESTO S. MARTINEZ GONDRA (Argentina) said for several years, Argentina had been cooperating with Haiti, and the magnitude of the earthquake meant that it had renewed its efforts to grapple with these circumstances. Argentina had been able to continue to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. In the context of humanitarian emergency and in solidarity with the Haitian people, the Government had sent equipment and material for communication and improving water quality, medicine, hospital equipment, food, tents, and other supplies to try and meet the urgent needs of the affected people, hoping to help Haiti recover at this critical moment and bring about the necessary stability. The United Nations should also try to continue its task, giving full consideration to human rights. The international community should ensure human rights for all, especially vulnerable groups, and the basic rights of health, water, education, and shelter, which should be accessible for all, both during and after the emergency, after assessment on the ground. The draft resolution presented should help with the reports to be produced by the High Commissioner, and help the international community and the Human Rights Council to carry out its task. Argentina also agreed to the postponement of the Universal Periodic Review of Haiti.

BOUDEWIJN J. VAN EENENNAAM (Netherlands) said in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, the material damage was enormous and the loss of life immeasurable. To date, the Netherlands had made 43.7 million euros available for both relief and reconstruction efforts in that country. In the short term, access to water, food and health services would require attention. In the long term, the Government of Haiti would have to ensure that all human rights were realized. The Independent Expert for Haiti should help the Government and the global community identify pertinent responses to its human rights challenges during and after the reconstruction phase. Human rights would have to be mainstreamed into all reconstruction efforts. Challenges in civil and political rights were equally daunting. In tackling governance and institution building, the Government would have to deploy an integrated human rights approach. He was encouraged by Haiti’s continued willingness to cooperate with the Human Rights Council on how best to achieve these aims.

MYKOLA MAIMESKUL (Ukraine) said the scale and impact of the disaster could not leave any person in the world indifferent. Nothing was more important and more precious than human life. Unfortunately, the international community was not able to predict and avert natural disasters, which led to destruction and loss of human lives. But the international community could help and support survivors in need of compassion, care and basic necessities- drinking water, food, medical care and housing. The current humanitarian situation and human rights situation in Haiti were of great concern. Children were mostly affected by the disaster, as many of them had become orphans or had been separated from their families and caregivers. The international community should give priority in taking care of the most vulnerable groups, and providing them with life-saving emergency food and medicine, safe shelter and protection. By convening this Special Session, the Council sent a strong signal to the international community that the provision of essential needs and basic rights would be under its control. During the recovery process, it was vitally important that enhanced international efforts be focused on ensuring human rights. Human rights and the rule of law together with development and peace and collective security were the main pillars of the whole United Nations system functioning.

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