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Emergency alert (396k) |
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, 300,000 were injured and 4,000 lost a limb when they were caught in the rubble of what had once been a home, a school, a place of work or a community meeting area. Everyday life continues to be unsettled for many of those who survived, with 1.6 million people – half of them children – living in 1,342 spontaneous settlements. Since disaster first struck, UNICEF has been mobilising resources to protect the rights of children. In trying circumstances, we helped to speed up the provision of life-saving assistance and support for the government in coordinating the response and early recovery efforts. Today UNICEF and partners are helping to provide safe water to 1.2million people, 62,800 children are benefiting from recreational activities and psychosocial support, and more than 500,000 children have received educational materials. However, living conditions remain extremely precarious and the challenges are daunting. Sanitation is a major concern, with only one latrine for 145 people in spontaneous sites and potentially dire consequences for the spread of disease. Access to education is another concern as schools in affected areas have experienced sharp drops in enrolment. Finally, the earthquake propelled a pre-existing and protracted child protection crisis into a child protection emergency on a scale like never before. The six-month mark also coincides with the start of the hurricane season. Preparedness for this has been among our priorities and UNICEF has pre-positioned emergency supplies in high risk areas to prevent a second disaster. Part of this effort is also to help people exposed to floods and landslides to move to safer ground – but it has proven extremely difficult to find land and relocation will be a lengthy and complex process. UNICEF’s key priority remains providing immediate support for earthquake affected communities. Reaching the hardest to reach, the poorest of the poor, and the most vulnerable both in earthquake affected areas and in every district is our medium-term goal. With the support of our donors, UNICEF is working to deliver on our commitments and ensure children everywhere in Haiti can realise their rights to survival, education and protection, remain shielded against economic, environmental and social shocks, and grow up with dignity and hope for the future. UNICEF has raised over £160 million to date but still much more is needed to ensure steady progress towards recovery continues. Please show your support and donate now to help children affected by the Haiti earthquake. You can also fundraise for emergencies.Find out more
