Today marks the One Year Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The quake leveled the capital city of Port-au-Prince and claimed over 250,000 lives, and left an estimated 1.5 million people homeless, in just 35 seconds. In the year since the quake, the road to recovery has been slow. It is estimated that only five percent of the rubble in the capital city of Port-au-Prince has been cleared. In October 2010, the outbreak of cholera resulted in over 2,500 more deaths. People continue to live in makeshift housing made out of tarps or tents provided by aid organizations.
As we honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the catastrophe, we also need to acknowledge and support the work that is ongoing. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, is one of the most significant UN presence in Haiti. There are over 9,000 military and 3,000 police in Haiti, from dozens of countries throughout the international community.
Local Events in the Boston Community:
Haitian Diaspora organizations, advocacy organizations, and NGOs throughout the Boston area are holding events throughout the week.
• Remembering Haiti: One Year after the Earthquake
Join Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Haitian Community for an Evening of Remembrance and Reflection.
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Time: 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA
Learn more and download an event flyer here.
• Remember, Reflect, Respond: Haiti One Year Later
Staff and volunteers with Partners in Health invite you to join them to remember those who lost their lives in the Haitian earthquake and honor those unsung heroes who have worked tirelessly to rebuild Haiti.
Date: Friday, January 14, 2011
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: John Hancock Hall, Back Bay Events Center
180 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
Learn more and RSVP here.
• A round-up of events can be found online at the Boston Haitian Reporter. Additional information and updates on the election returns, ongoing challenges, and progress made in Haiti can be found here on Karen Ansara’s blog, one of our partners at the Boston Foundation.
Be sure to check that these events are still taking place during this snow weather! If you are unable to get out, there are still things that you can do from home!
CARE is sponsoring the Upload Hope campaign where you can upload a 35 second video message of hope and support for Haiti. You can find more information here.
In New York, the Secretary-General will conduct a solemn wreath-laying ceremony beginning at 4:45 pm. The ceremonies can be followed via videolink through UN webcast.
There are many ways to help in Haiti. Learn more here. Also, stay tuned to the UN Dispatch throughout this week to read their series of posts on progress in Haiti. Read today’s post here.
Continue the conversation and work on how to support and strengthen Haiti in 2011!
-Alex.