Haiti Six Months Later

On Jan 12th an earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti killing up to 300,000 people, leaving millions homeless. The world responded with a massive humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering, but where does Haiti stand six months later? The world’s attention was only short lived with promised humanitarian aid failing to materialize.

President Obama stressed the need to speed the pace of relief efforts, even former President Bill Clinton, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the recovery. "Six months later, our resolve to stand with the people of Haiti for the long term remains undiminished," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a written statement.

Six months after the earthquake the recovery turns from relief to reconstruction, and Haiti requires extensive urban planning to rebuild and sustain itself, said Sam Worthington, president of InterAction, a U.S.-based coalition of international organizations.

After six months, where is the United Nations in providing relief for this embattled nation. It can’t just be the United States only, even our own humanitarian aid has fallen below expectations. A coordinated effort must include efforts from the entire world body and not just from America. This is where the U.N. should take the lead, but unfortunately the U.N. has been ineffective in providing leadership when it matters most.