$917,923,904 For Haiti recovery and Reconstruction

WASHINGTON, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During today's high-level international donor conference to coordinate and secure funding for recovery and rebuilding in Haiti, InterAction announced the U.S. NGO pledge of $918 million towards Haiti efforts, with over $400 million dedicated to recovery efforts and the remainder allocated for reconstruction.

"This signifies a significant level of support from the American people towards the plight of Haitian citizens and a belief in the effectiveness of relief and humanitarian NGOs. We are committed to investing a tremendous amount of financial and human resources in Haiti, and should be recognized by nation-states as a key partner in the reconstruction effort, " said Samuel A. Worthington, President and CEO of InterAction. "Urgent needs still remain in the country, and the humanitarian emergency will likely worsen due to the rainy season, even while reconstruction plans are being put in place. We continue to address current needs and are strongly committed to working with all relevant partners to rebuild a Haiti that is equitable, resilient and self-reliant."

In advance of the donor conference, European, Haitian and U.S. nonprofits engaged in a series of meetings to establish a common, coherent and coordinated platform for recovery, reconstruction and long-term development in Haiti. This framework aligns NGO activities with the priorities of the Haitian government; ensures the government's support, engagement and coordination with civil society and donor states; results in equitable and efficient community-level assistance; and prevents duplication with other actors. Total NGO contributions worldwide now total $2.2 billion.

Critical Recovery Areas Include:

Shelter: Resources to handle infrastructure must be made available at the same time that shelter plans are announced.  Land tenure and ownership are critical issues that need to be addressed immediately as many records were destroyed in the earthquake.

Education: There has been substantial damage to the education sector's physical infrastructure as well as immeasurable impact on civil service and education providers. Both formal and informal education systems must be prioritized.

Maternal & Child Health: Prior to the earthquake, Haitian children and expectant mothers faced the highest mortality rates in the Western hemisphere. The effects of the earthquake have exacerbated these pre-existing health challenges.

Protection of Women and Children: Separated, unaccompanied, orphaned children, children in domestic servitude (particularly girls) and women are at increased risk of exploitation.

Sustainable Job Creation: The unemployment rate in Haiti has been estimated at 70-80 percent. In the January 12 earthquake, Haiti lost 60 percent of its GDP. There is significant need for sustainable jobs that will provide Haitians incomes, along with the dignity and motivation to engage in the rebuilding of their country.

Disability and Rehabilitation Facilities: Current estimates indicate as many as 300,000 Haitians are now suffering from crushed and broken bones and other injuries, and up to 4,000 have amputated limbs.

Read recent Haiti assessments, case studies, transitional program details and NGO plans on our Transition from Recovery to Reconstruction page.

InterAction is the largest alliance of US-based international nongovernmental organizations. Our 188 members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering and quality of life. www.interaction.org

SOURCE InterAction

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