UN Secretary General Statement on the First Anniversary of the Earthquake in Haiti - 12 January 2011

The Secretary-General would like to express his solidarity with the people of Haiti and all those who suffered tragic losses a year ago. On 12 January 2010, Haiti suffered a disaster of unparalleled magnitude.  The earthquake that day killed over two hundred thousand people; more than three hundred thousand were injured and a staggering 2.3 million – nearly one quarter of the population – was displaced.  The Government lost thousands of civil servants and much of its key infrastructure was destroyed.  One hundred and two United Nations colleagues perished and many more suffered terrible personal losses.  The United Nations mourns those who left us forever in Haiti last year.

Following this tragedy, one of the largest natural catastrophies in recorded history, the world responded with much sympathy and assistance for the people of Haiti.   The UN and international response was one of the largest of its kind ever mounted and continues to this day to help survivors of this tragedy.   These efforts must be redoubled and renewed.   The Secretary-General calls on the international community to continue its support for the people of Haiti.

The Secretary-General reiterates the full commitment of the United Nations to support the Government and people of Haiti in meeting the challenges of reconstruction and building a safe, prosperous, and secure future for all of its citizens.  We honour those who left us and carry on their work. We also honour the resilience and determination that the people of Haiti have shown at this difficult time.