Secretary-General, Upon Receiving Experts’ Report on Source of Haiti

 

Cholera Outbreak, Announces Intention to Name Follow-up Task Force

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The United Nations has today made public the report of the Independent Panel of Experts to investigate the source of the cholera outbreak in Haiti, which was presented to the Secretary-General on 3 May.  The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti presented a copy of the report to the Government of Haiti earlier today.

The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to the Independent Panel of Experts for its efforts and will carefully consider its findings and recommendations.  To that end, the Secretary-General intends to convene a task force within the United Nations system, to study the findings and recommendations made by the Independent Panel of Experts to ensure prompt and appropriate follow-up.

The cholera outbreak has caused significant loss of life and widespread infection throughout the country.  On behalf of the United Nations family, the Secretary-General reiterates his deepest sympathies to the victims of the epidemic and their loved ones.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the continuing commitment of the United Nations to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of Haiti in the ongoing fight against the cholera epidemic and expresses his gratitude to the many countries and organizations that have helped to combat the disease.

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For information media • not an official record