The effort so far has not been based
a respectful partnership between Haitians and the international community. The actions of the donor countries and the
NGOs and international agencies have not been transparent so that Haitians or
others can track the money and see how it has been spent. Without transparency and a respectful
partnership the Haitian people cannot hold anyone accountable for what has
happened in their country. That has to
change.
The UN Special Envoy to Haiti
suggests the generous instincts of people around the world must be channeled by
international actors and institutions in a way that assists in the creation of
a "robust public sector and a healthy private sector." Instead of giving the money to
intermediaries, funds should be directed as much as possible to Haitian public
and private institutions. A "Haiti
First" policy could strengthen public systems, promote accountability, and
create jobs and build skills among the Haitian people.
Respect, transparency and
accountability are the building blocks for human rights. Haitians deserve to know where the money has
gone, what the plans are for the money still left, and to be partners in the
decision-making for what is to come.
After all, these are the people who
will be solving the problems when the post-earthquake relief money is gone.
++++
By Bill Quigley and Amber Ramanauskas. Bill Quigley teaches at Loyola University New Orleans, is the Associate Legal Director at the Center for Constitutional Rights and volunteers with the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. Amber Ramanauskas is a lawyer and human rights researcher. A more detailed version of this article with full sources is available. Bill can be reached at Email address removed . Amber can be reached at Email address removed .
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