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(ANS – Geneva) – ““ The Support of the Human Rights Council to the Recovery Process in Haiti after the Earthquake of January 12, 2010: a Human Rights Approach"” was the topic of the thirteenth special session of the Human Rights Council of the UNO held on 27 and 28 January at the “Palais de Nations” in Geneva. There was unanimous agreement to undertake the recovery process, but concern about the safeguarding of human rights which received little attention before 12 January.

Requested by the Brazilian Delegation and strongly supported by the 37 Member States of the Council and by many other observer States, the thirteenth special session began with a minutes silence I memory of the many victims of the earthquake. Various speeches followed proposing future activities in an approach based on respect for human rights.

Special attention was given to primary needs. The International Community had to respond effectively and immediately to the following needs: drinking water, food, shelter, the safety and protection of the people  and in particular the children. The topic of reconstruction and the need to coordinate aid were mentioned several times by the Delegation. Mons. Silvano Tomasi, permanent observer of the Holy See to the UNO declared that: “The Church would actively collaborate in rebuilding the country, to ensure that the people of Haiti had a life of freedom and dignity.”

NGO and other civil representatives spoke of the need to establish a human rights “team”  and of the coordination of efforts to ensure that in this delicate phase of recovery in the country human rights are safeguarded. Special attention was given to the need to quickly provide all that was required  for the continued survival of the survivors.

The International Institute of Mary Help of Christians (IIMA) in collaboration with other NGO of Catholic inspiration led by “Caritas Internationalis”, emphasised the need for urgent action by the whole International Community and collaboration between States and other civil institutions.  In particular it was suggested that emphasis should be given to the immediate reconstruction of the educational system aimed especially at helping children who had been left orphans and severely traumatised by the tragedy so as to give them a sense of “normality” and provide safe environments were they feel cared for.

Mons. Robert Vitillo, spokesman of “Caritas Internationalis” conclude his address calling on the Council to urge members to carry out an investigation on human rights in Haiti, which would be submitted at its June 2010 session.

 Published 05/02/2010