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April 1 – 9, 2006
The situation in Haiti continues to be volatile, even in the wake of recent elections. The de facto embargo on international humanitarian assistance that began in 2000 has ended and funding is once again flowing into the country, yet Haiti has descended into an even greater economic crisis. Each rainstorm brings tragedy to villages in deforested mountain areas and poverty has intensified in urban areas where market women sell patties made of dirt and salt to ease hunger.
The delegation will gather information about:
- Multilateral institutions, countries and agencies funding development in Haiti;
- Contractors, government ministries or other entities receiving this funding, and projects already underway;
- International funding priorities in light of Haiti’s current situation and Haitian articulated development priorities; and
- The impact of hurricane relief in the wake of several devastating storms.
Special focus will be placed on health and the environment. Haiti has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in the western hemisphere and the highest maternal and infant mortality rates. The rapid deforestation and consequent erosion of Haiti’s mainly mountainous terrain has left Haiti with less than 1% of its original forest cover. Haitians’ health and the deterioration of their environment are inextricably linked.
ITINERARY may include:
- Meetings with representatives of international financial institutions (IFIs) and U.S., EU and Canadian aid agencies.
- Field trip to assess the impact of hurricane relief (location to be determined).
- Tours of state-run public health facilities and dialogue with Haitian health professionals.
- Interviews and meetings with community groups, organizations and cooperatives.
The delegation will begin with an orientation and background materials will be provided. Security is a major concern, so Haiti Watch will maintain an open discussion about potential risks. Participants will sign a waiver, accepting responsibility for what might happen while they are in Haiti with this delegation. Throughout the delegation, we will have an on-going discussion about international activism and how individuals and organizations can get involved, back in North America, in doing and supporting work in favor of justice, equality and a healthy environment in Haiti.
COST of the delegation is $1100 for in-country expenses, which includes 3 meals a day, lodging, all in-country transportation, translation, coordination and honorariums for community-based groups the delegation meets with. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel to Port-au-Prince (visit www.aa.com for lowest prices).
CONTACT: Melinda Miles, Melinda@konpay.org or Anne Sosin, asosin@gmail.com to request an application or more information.
*HAITI WATCH is a collaboration of Konbit Pou Ayiti/KONPAY and Vizyon Dwa Ayisyen/VIDWA. Visit www.konpay.org for more information.
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