a1765: Resolution on Haiti put before US Congress (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: MKarshan@aol.com

'New Partnership for Haiti' Resolution Calls on Bush Administration To Lift Aid Embargo Against Haiti
4/22/02 11:20 AM
Source: PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) announced on Thursday, April 18, 2002, the introduction of the "New Partnership for Haiti" resolution at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. The resolution urges the Bush Administration to end any aid embargo against Haiti.

"In every sense, the disbursement of these loans can mean the difference between life and death," Rep. Lee said. "A severe humanitarian disaster threatens the eight million men, women and children who live in Haiti, as they face a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, extreme poverty and high infant mortality rates."

The resolution is in response to the current embargo against Haiti for more than $500 million in humanitarian development assistance loans. Most pressing right now are four loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) totaling $145.9 million. The IDB Board of Directors has already approved the four loans, and the Haitian Government and the IDB have signed contracts for them. Although the loans continue to be held up by the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury, the Haitian Government is required to make arrears payments in order to maintain its status with the IDB. The four loans have been designated to fund projects for health care, education, potable water and rural road development.

The aid embargo has had a devastating effect on the humanitarian situation in Haiti. With more than 300,000 people infected with HIV and AIDS, Haiti is host to one of the most severe HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. Literacy in Haiti is dwindling, as only 48.8% of the adult population can read and write. Less than half of the population has access to potable water, and only 28% has access to adequate sanitation facilities. Although many Haitian people are in dire need of medical attention, there are only 1.2 doctors for every 10,000 Haitians.

"Together we must urge the President to do the right thing in Haiti," Rep. Lee said. "It is unacceptable to simply stand by and watch a season of misery inflict pain, suffering and death on human beings right in our own neighborhood. We must address this injustice. We must release IDB funds to Haiti."

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