Haiti became the world's first independent Caribbean country when it ended French colonial rule ended in the early 19th century. However, in recent decades poverty, conflict and instability have left it the poorest nation in the Americas.
The dramatic destruction caused by the earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010 is still causing unbelievable stress for over 3 million people living in the country. Over 220,000 people lost their lives and 300,000 were injured when they were caught in the rubble.
Since the disaster struck, UNICEF has been mobilising resources to protect the rights of children. We helped to speed up the provision of life-saving assistance and supported the government in coordinating the response and recovery efforts.
