Statement by H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Australian Mission to the United Nations regarding Australia’s pledge for the reconstruction of Haiti, to the ‘International Donors' Conference - Towards a New Future for Haiti’, as delivered on 31 March 2010.
(as delivered)
Co-Chairs,
I would like to thank the Secretary-General, Secretary of State Clinton, President Préval and all of the Co-Chairs for convening this Conference. We commend President Préval and Prime Minister Bellerive for the National Vision that has been articulated today. On behalf of all Australians, I would like to reiterate our condolences to the people of Haiti for the great losses they have suffered.
When Haiti was tragically hit by the earthquake on 12 January, Australia joined the international community in providing immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance. Australia also stands ready to do our part to support the reconstruction of Haiti as it embarks on the long process of not only rebuilding, but as the Secretary-General has reminded us, also meeting the challenge of “building back better”.
Today, I am pleased to announce Australia will be providing AUD 11.5 million for the immediate recovery and reconstruction needs of Haiti. AUD10 million of this will be provided immediately through the Haiti Reconstruction Fund. This brings our total in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to AUD 24.5 million. In addition to the Government’s contribution, the people of Australia have also donated millions of dollars through non-government organisations and charities.
Australia is also working with key partners in the Caribbean and in Latin America to support regional assistance to Haiti. Notably, we will be working with Brazil to help revive Haiti’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 25 per cent of Haiti’s economy.
Having worked with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to support their immediate relief efforts in Haiti, we are now exploring further support to CARICOM to strengthen their important work in Haiti in the reconstruction phase.
We strongly support a Haitian-led process. We consider the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, together with the Government of Haiti’s Action plan for national recovery and development, provide a blueprint to guide the enormous task ahead. Together they demonstrate the commitment of the Haitian Government and the international community to partner together to ensure, as the Haitian Government has articulated, that this tragedy be turned into a window of opportunity.
Thank you.