On Thursday in Geneva, a group of independent United Nations human rights experts called on Secretary General António Guterres to urgently step up efforts to keep the United Nations promise to help the victims of the cholera epidemic in Haiti that claimed nearly 10,000 lives.

"The importance of relief is even more urgent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could deal a double blow to victims of the cholera outbreak and their families," the experts said. "We recognise the immense challenges all actors face in responding to the coronavirus, but this new threat cannot mask past failures and ongoing violations."

The experts said more than three years ago, the UN acknowledged the role played by its peacekeepers in causing the epidemic. It has since failed to pay any compensation and its subsequent underfunded aid effort has amounted to little more than a spate of symbolic development projects.

"Serious shortfalls in funding and expenditures make the UN’s promises illusory. Despite initially seeking $400 million https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19550-haiti-politics-un-adopts-new-strategy-against-cholera-in-haiti.html over two years, the UN has raised a mere $20.5 million in about three years https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20204-haiti-cholera-funding-failure-for-the-$400m-un-funds.html and has spent a pitiful $3.2 million [...]"

The experts also raised concerns about the UN’s decision to help people affected by cholera through community assistance rather than direct support. "Some victims prefer monetary payments, an option that was once on the table, but the UN has foreclosed that possibility seemingly without carrying out consultations or producing a detailed feasibility assessment," said the experts. “Compensation is ordinarily a central component of the right to an effective remedy, and development projects are simply not a replacement for reparations”.

The experts have received reports that victims have not been adequately involved in the design and development of community assistance projects. “While the UN says it is consulting with multi-stakeholder ‘community platforms’ to develop projects, it is not clear how those most affected by cholera are being prioritised in these exercises.”

"Many of these shortcomings result from the UN’s admission of its moral responsibility https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18376-haiti-cholera-the-untouchable-un-recognizes-its-moral-responsibility.html but not its legal one," said the experts, adding "Asking UN Member States to make a charitable contribution is entirely different from payments linked to a legal obligation"

"Haiti’s Government has its own options to seek justice for victims, such as requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice," the experts said. "To our knowledge, it has taken no steps in that direction."

HL/ HaitiLibre