On 12 January, an earthquake the magnitude of 7.0 hit Haiti just 10 miles from its capital Port-au-Prince. According to the UN, an estimated 250,000 people were killed, and approximately 1.5 million people made homeless. Since the quake struck, Irish Aid has been working with its long-standing partner organisations to respond to the urgent needs of those affected by the disaster.

Six months after the devastating earthquake struck, Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power visited Haiti to assess the impact of Ireland’s assistance to the country.

During his visit, Minister Power called for a renewed international effort to support the recovery and reconstruction of Haiti and also paid tribute to the efforts of the Haitian people and international aid agencies who are working tirelessly in advance of the hurricane season.

Minister Power had an opportunity to see at first hand the work being done with Ireland’s support. Credit: Andres Martinez Casares

Delmas is one of 19 Child-Friendly Spaces established by World Vision in displacement camps across Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas which protect the rights of vulnerable children. In these child-friendly spaces, children can engage in activities that help them begin to return to a normal routine and heal from the trauma of the earthquake. Irish Aid has contributed €200,000 to the funding of these operations.

Support from Ireland for the Relief Effort
Ireland has pledged €13 million in funding over three years to support the Haitian plan to recover and rebuild the devastated country. This pledge, combined with public contributions, makes Ireland one of the largest per capita contributors to the relief effort.  More than €4 million in emergency funding and humanitarian supplies has already been disbursed. Read more about Where Funding Goes and Irish Aid’s Partners.

What The Priorities Are
The Government has prioritised meeting needs in the areas of shelter, sanitation and protection, with a particular emphasis on supporting women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

These priorities were identified following the earthquake by a specialist team deployed to Haiti by the Irish Government.
 
Ireland supports the Haitian Government’s plan for reconstruction, which draws on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment carried out by the UN, EU, World Bank and others in consultation with civil society, NGOs and the private sector.  The Haitian Government’s priority is the construction of communities, with proper attention to delivering amenities, education, and, above all, employment.