Haiti Cholera Victims’ Compensation Claims ‘Not Receivable’ under Immunities

and Privileges Convention, United Nations Tells Their Representatives

 

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

In November 2011, a claim for compensation was brought against the United Nations on behalf of victims of the cholera outbreak in Haiti.  Today, the United Nations advised the claimants’ representatives that the claims are not receivable, pursuant to Section 29 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.  The Secretary-General telephoned Haitian President Michel Martelly to inform him of the decision, and to reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to the elimination of cholera in Haiti.

Since the outbreak began in 2010, the United Nations and its partners have worked closely with the people and Government of Haiti to provide treatment, improve water and sanitation facilities, and strengthen prevention and early warning.  In December 2012, the Secretary-General launched an Initiative for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti, which aims to strengthen Haiti’s own National Cholera Elimination Plan through significant investments and the use of an oral cholera vaccine.

The Secretary-General again expresses his profound sympathy for the terrible suffering caused by the cholera epidemic, and calls on all partners in Haiti and the international community to work together to ensure better health and a better future for the people of Haiti.

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For information media • not an official record