A resolution recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the people of Haiti.

S.RES.368 -- Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the... (Agreed to Senate - ATS)

SRES 368 ATS

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 368

Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the people of Haiti.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 6, 2012

Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. KERRY, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. COONS, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. CORKER, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. LUGAR, and Mr. NELSON of Nebraska) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, honoring those who lost their lives in that earthquake, and expressing continued solidarity with the people of Haiti.

Whereas, on January 12, 2010, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the country of Haiti;

Whereas, according to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 15 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti;

Whereas, according to the Government of Haiti, more than 220,000 people died as a result of the earthquake, and more than 300,000 people were injured;

Whereas, according to the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration an estimated 3,000,000 people, or nearly 1/3 of the population of Haiti were directly affected by the disaster, and an estimated 1,500,000 people were displaced from their homes;

Whereas a Post Disaster Needs Assessment conducted by the Government of Haiti, the United Nations, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other experts, estimated that damage and economic losses totaled $7,800,000,000, which amounted to approximately 120 percent of the gross domestic product of Haiti in 2009;

Whereas the response of the United States Government, led by the United States Agency for International Development and United States Southern Command, was swift and resolute;

Whereas individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations throughout the United States and the international community responded to the crisis by supporting Haiti and its people through innovative ways, such as fundraising through text messaging;

Whereas the Haitian diaspora in the United States was integral to emergency relief efforts and continues to make significant financial contributions to Haiti and seeks opportunities to participate in the rebuilding of Haiti;

Whereas the International Organization for Migration estimates that approximately 550,000 people remain in spontaneous and organized camps in Haiti;

Whereas, at the time of the January 2010 earthquake, Haiti was the poorest, least developed country in the Western Hemisphere, and more than 70 percent of the population in Haiti lived on less than $2 per day;

Whereas, before the earthquake, Haiti was making encouraging improvement in recovering from a catastrophic series of hurricanes and tropical storms, food shortages, rising commodity prices, and political instability;

Whereas, in January 21, 2010, the Senate adopted by unanimous consent Senate Resolution 392 (111th Congress), expressing its profound sympathy and unwavering support for the people of Haiti and urging all nations to commit to assisting the people of Haiti with their long-term needs;

Whereas, on October 19, 2010, an outbreak of cholera was detected in the lower Artibonite region of Haiti, which according to the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population had affected more than 500,000 people and caused the death of more than 6,700 people nationwide by November 30, 2011;

Whereas, as of December 2011, the United States Government had provided technical assistance and contributed more than $73,000,000 in purified drinking water, soap, and oral rehydration salts to combat the spread of cholera in Haiti; and

Whereas, since the January 12, 2010, earthquake, the people of Haiti have demonstrated unwavering resilience, dignity, and courage: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) mourns the loss of lives as a result of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010;

(2) honors the service of United States personnel in the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, the United States Coast Guard, United States Armed Forces, and other United States Government agencies, and all members of international organizations who have persevered through adverse local conditions and continue to serve Haiti and the Haitian people;

(3) reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their country and livelihoods;

(4) reaffirms its commitment to support the people of Haiti, in partnership with the Government of Haiti and in coordination with other donors, in long-term reconstruction;

(5) urges the United States Government, international donors, and non-governmental organizations in Haiti to work in full partnership with authorities, civil society, and the private sector in Haiti and to prioritize sustainable projects with greater opportunity for capacity building; and

(6) encourages the United States Government, the Government of Haiti, and international donors--

(A) to give priority to policies that would enhance the ability of the Government of Haiti to attract private sector investment and meaningful diaspora participation, including judicial reform, civil registry, enterprise fund, and land tenure reform;

(B) to develop, improve, and scale-up communications and participatory mechanisms to more substantially involve civil society in Haiti at all stages of the cholera and post-earthquake responses; and

(C) to give priority to programs that protect and involve vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, children, and persons with disabilities.