Haiti earthquake 2 years on: vulnerable should not be forgotten

A Haitian girl dances at a child-friendly space run by Plan.

Two years since the devastating earthquake, commitments made to help Haiti must be honoured.

There are still some 500,000 people living in temporary shelters, among them many tens of thousands are children and young people.

"Haiti is a very young nation with about half of its population aged under 18," said Plan Haiti Country Director John Chaloner. "There are many vulnerable young people at risk if we allow this to become simply 2010's forgotten crisis.

"Many of them in the camps lack the most basic of resources, proper support and protection. This resilient young generation needs continued support in quality education and employment to give them real hope for the future and the opportunities they deserve."

Plan, like many NGOs, believes the Government of Haiti must fulfil its responsibility and take leadership on shelter, healthcare, education and economic growth. But with the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere still struggling to rebuild, the challenge is still major.

Plan is concentrating its focus on three areas:

• Safe, quality education and opportunities for young people.
• Full social participation for Haitian girls – this includes campaigns targeting education, gender-based violence, youth pregnancy and work rights.
• Birth registration – to enable young people to participate and benefit from services such as education, as well as helping to reduce child trafficking and tackle child abuse.

Mr Chaloner said: "If Haiti is to rebuild from this terrible disaster as a self-sustaining, successful country, its young people need strong child protection systems and access to quality health care and education and we remain optimistic that can be achieved."

To support Plan's ongoing work responding to the needs of children and families affected by disasters and emergencies around the world, donate to the Children in Crisis Fund online or call 13 75 26.

Ian Wishart, chief executive of Plan, is available for comment. Contact:

David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0448 816 900
Email: David.cook@plan.org.au   

To speak to Plan Haiti Country Director John Chaloner, contact:

Jessica Theodore
Communications Manager
Plan International Haiti
Mobile: + (509) 3445-2702
Skype: donmoisa
Email: Jessica.theodore@plan-international.org