Statement on Haiti by Green Cross General Assembly

Geneva, Switzerland - January 15, 2010 - Members of the Green Cross International assembled in Geneva are distressed by the scale of human tragedy wrought by the massive earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010. We express our condolences to the people of Haiti who have lost their loved ones or have suffered injuries.
 
It is in times like this that our preparedness to respond to human calamities is tested. The tragedy has again painfully demonstrated human fragility in the face of the forces of nature, reminding that millions of people caught in the clutches of poverty are most vulnerable victims of such calamities. However important now the emergency aid committed by a number of countries and institutions, mitigation of natural disaster’s consequences requires more systemic, rapid and coordinated measures on global scale.
 
Haiti’s tragedy is a poignant reminder of the unfinished business in Copenhagen. The Climate Change related mitigation and adaptation measures, can help us respond not only to the destructive potential of climate change induced natural catastrophes but to other natural disasters similar to Haiti’s. 
 
We call on all governments to muster the necessary political will to conclude a meaningful agreement this year. Preparedness built on solid foundations can help us save precious human lives. 
 
Green Cross International on its side is ready to invest its post disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation experience into the future efforts to rebuild destroyed regions of Haiti.