On Anniversary of Haiti’s Earthquake, Secretary-General Honours Memory of Dead,

Reiterates UN Commitment to Helping Put Country on Path to Prosperous Future

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

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the 12 January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Secretary-General would like to honour the memory of the more than 200,000 people who perished in the tremor, including 102 United Nations personnel.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the Government and people of Haiti who have made important strides in rebuilding their country.  Despite considerable achievements, including in the areas of rubble removal and the resettlement of displaced persons, many Haitians remain in need of international assistance.  The Secretary-General, therefore, calls on the international community to continue its vital support. 

The Secretary-General spoke by phone to President Michel Joseph Martelly today and reiterated the United Nations continued commitment to accompany the Government and people of Haiti on the path to a secure and prosperous future.  He told the President that as Haiti moves from crisis to recovery and long-term development, the United Nations looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the country to ensure effective support and funding for Haiti's priorities.

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For information media • not an official record