Haiti needs safety, schooling and jobs

Children learning through play at ECCD centre in Camp Corail.

The young people of Haiti need protection, education and job opportunities if the earthquake-ravaged country is to properly recover.

One year after the disaster, Haiti is at a crossroads – but only strong and swift decisions by the Government will take it down the road to a fair and sustainable future.

Based on priorities identified by children and youths who took part in Plan and UNICEF consultations, the Haitian Government is now being called upon to:

• Adopt a national building code and approved designs for permanent, safe and disability-friendly schools.
• Create an effective birth registration system (including free registration for all people who lost birth certificates in the earthquake) – to ensure better access to education, social and health services; clarify land ownership and prevent child trafficking and other child rights abuses.
• Create formal mechanisms for children and youth to fully engage with the Government and the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (CIRH) in the rebuilding process.

Our global CEO, Nigel Chapman, said: “In the face of the almost overwhelming need and hardship in Haiti, progress is being made. But it is complex, demanding and at times, frustrating. What is needed right now is decisive and committed leadership to get things moving.

“Lack of land and the absence of an approved building code for earthquake and hurricane-proof buildings are seriously hindering efforts. The lack of a proper system to replace or provide people’s legal documents is also proving a major challenge which must be addressed.”

Director of Plan in Haiti, Jim Emerson added: “We believe that children and young people’s voices must be heard in this time for Haiti to truly ‘build back better.’ In our national survey of some 1000 young people their key desire was clear – education, education, education. Our work has always prioritised learning and we must strengthen this.

“Recovering from major disasters is complex and requires time, patience and significant resources. But equally important is the need for strong governance and good co-ordination to ensure those efforts are effective. We would urge the Government, supported by the international community, to prioritise these areas.”

To support our work responding to emergencies around the world, donate to our Children in Crisis Fund

For any media enquiries, please contact:

David Cook
Media Officer
david.cook@plan.org.au
direct:03 9672 3652
mobile: 0448 816 900

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