Letter from the RFK Center remembering the earthquake in Haiti

“As long as there is plenty in the world, poverty is evil.” Robert F. Kennedy, 1961.

Dear Friends,

Today, let us take a moment and remember all those whose lives were lost or forever changed one year ago in Haiti. The situation remains dire, with nearly the same number of people -- 1.3 million -- living in tents, without security, dignity, or regular access to water, food, or shelter.

The people of Haiti deserve better. Most of the promised aid has not reached those in need, despite mechanisms to foster accountability. Over the past year, much of the international community has committed to using a rights-based approach in Haiti. This approach calls for transparency of aid, community empowerment, capacity building of the government, and accountability for assistance.

We urge the international community and Haitian government to continue to implement these principles. The government should actively facilitate participation of Haitians in the reconstruction.

The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights has partnered with Haitian human rights defender Loune Viaud since she received our RFK Human Rights Award in 2002. We will continue to work with Loune to improve the impact of international assistance. We will promote donor accountability and ensure that all Haitians’ rights -- to health, water, food, and life -- are respected, supported, and fulfilled.

To learn more about our work in Haiti, visit Loune Viaud's page on the RFK Center website.

You can also download our recent reports:
Sak Vid Pa Kanpe: The Impact of U.S. Food Aid on Human Rights in Haiti
Wòch nan Soley: The Denial of the Right to Water in Haiti