One Year Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake

Floor Speech

Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the one year Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in the island nation of Haiti. One year ago, the United States joined the rest of the world in witnessing the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead and one million people homeless. We joined the rest of the world in donating billions of dollars in financial and material aid. The Obama Administration acted quickly and compassionately, making an impressive impact on the emergency phase of one of the largest coordinated international disaster responses that the world has seen. The President quickly awarded Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals living in the U.S. to increase remittances back to Haiti. The. International community rallied around the Haitian government providing unprecedented support. The Haitian Diaspora instantaneously responded with the same diligence and fortitude necessary to assist our Nation with the distribution of aid, as well as keep our government accountable every step of the way. Lastly, the Haitian people exhibited the type of quintessential strength and perseverance that many of us could only imagine.

However, one year later we see a deteriorating Haiti. One not imagined in our collective plans to ``Build Back Better,'' one year ago. Instead, over one million displaced people still live in tent camps while conditions in the country continue to deteriorate. It is apparent that substantive reconstruction has barely begun and significant progress will continue to face obstacles in the near future. As witnessed in the recent demonstrations following the Haitian general elections, civil strife and unrest continue to pervade the populace at large. With the growing cholera epidemic, the situation in Haiti is especially dangerous and volatile.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of the second largest Haitian immigrant population in the country, I am deeply concerned about the conditions on the ground. Although some progress has been made, it appears as though conditions are deteriorating at a faster rate. As USAID and other international organizations scramble to resolve the housing/rubble crisis, security is rapidly decreasing within the IDP camps. Gender Based Violence (GBV) is further threatening the physical, mental and emotional capacity of women and girls. I commend USAID and the NGO community for taking steps to address this, but more is needed to end this phenomenon.

It is of the utmost importance for all parties engaged in this humanitarian response and reconstruction efforts to significantly improve their outreach to women and girls. Near term and longer term assistance programs will only be effective if women and girls are fully engaged as equal partners in program assessment, design, and implementation. There is a vibrant network of women's organizations in Haiti. Their involvement is critical to the successful reconstruction of Haiti and to the development of a society that offers equal protection and opportunity to all its citizens.

Before I conclude, I would like to also recognize Ms. Corrine Jocelyn, Executive Director of Diaspora Community Services for her remarkable work in organizing the March for Change that took place today in recognition of the one year anniversary of the earthquake. She was joined by many other Haitian organizations and prominent community leaders calling the Haitian Diaspora and their allies to actions. I fully support this endeavor and encourage the entire Haitian Diaspora to become more involved in advocating and educating our Nation on Haitian heritage and the issues that plague the island nation.

Lastly, I would like to recognize Bells for Haiti initiative that took place today in Minnesota. At the time the earthquake took place, bells will ring from churches, schools and organizations for 35 seconds to commemorate the event. I commend the organizers, Konbit--MN/Haiti and the participants for such a beautiful tribute.

As we continue to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti, let us never forget Let us never forget that as we unite with the people of Haiti, Haitian-Americans and the Haitian Diaspora that we are forever guided by the words etched indelibly on the Haitian flag, `L'Union fait la force' (Loon yon feh la force) ..... through unity, there is strength!

Source