In the months since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the United Nations has been at the front lines of one of the largest and most complex responses to a natural disaster in its history.
The UN has been crucial in coordinating the massive international humanitarian response and making sure food is getting to malnourished children and aid is getting to those who need it most.
But peacekeepers are doing more than distributing aid. The UN is operating the airport in Port-au-Prince and peacekeepers are providing security on the streets. Plus, UN programs are employing Haitians to help clear rubble. This not only rebuilds cities, but also rebuilds the economy and helps Haitians rebuild their dignity through having a steady job.
There's still a lot of work to do, and with the rainy season approaching, Haitians urgently need all the help they can get. The earthquake was a tragedy, but the UN is in Haiti for the long haul. Support the UN's continued relief efforts in Haiti.
Dear President Clinton, Special Envoy to Haiti:
The images of the devastating earthquake in Haiti are heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men, women and children in this impoverished nation whose lives have been torn apart. We grieve with those who have lost friends and loved ones.
But we understand how critical rapid response is to relief efforts. That's why we support the commitment of the United Nations -- though it has lost many UN friends and colleagues in the disaster -- to staying on the front lines during this crucial period.
With the rainy season approaching, Haiti needs our help more than ever. The UN's immediate goal is to move Haitians from living day-to-day, as they are now, to living month-to-month. When people no longer have to worry about their day-to-day survival, they can focus on the longer term healing and rebuilding that is required for Haiti's long-term development.
The UN is not there to simply reconstruct destroyed hospitals and roads. It is in Haiti for the long haul to train Haitians to manage a rebuilt Haiti.
Support the UN's efforts to save as many lives as possible and help Haiti continue its transition from a place of conflict to a country of promise. Thank you for speaking out for the men, women and children of Haiti.
