As part of the commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the 35-second earthquake, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, that struck Haiti on January 10, 2010, at 4:53 PM [More than 280,000 dead (222,570 according to the government), nearly 400,000 injured (300,572 according to the government), 1.6 million people left homeless] https://www.haitilibre.com/article-602-haiti-seisme-mardi-12-janvier-16-43-10-secondes.html [in French] ] Génard Joseph, the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, delivered a speech on the occasion, stating:

Speech by Génard Joseph :

"Dear compatriots,

January 12, 2010, remains forever etched in the The collective memory of the Haitian people. Sixteen years ago, our nation was struck by one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history, claiming over three hundred thousand lives, leaving hundreds of thousands injured and displaced, and plunging countless families into grief and mourning.

On this day of reflection and remembrance, we pay tribute to all the victims of this national tragedy. We bow respectfully before the memory of those who lost their lives, and we express our profound solidarity with the survivors, especially those who, as a result of this tragedy, now live with a disability.

The January 12, 2010 earthquake profoundly changed the face of our society. It highlighted the vulnerability of people with disabilities, but also their courage, resilience, and determination to continue living with dignity. Since then, the issue of inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities has become a moral, social, and political responsibility for the Haitian State.

As Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, I wish to reaffirm the Government's firm commitment to working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of people living with disabilities. This commitment translates into constant, dedicated work, carried out in close collaboration with organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, and our international partners.

Together, we are working to strengthen access to basic services, promote social, economic, and educational inclusion, defend the rights of persons with disabilities, and build a more just, more supportive, and truly inclusive society.

The memory of January 12, 2010, imposes upon us a duty: to never forget, but above all, to act. To act so that vulnerability never again rhymes with exclusion. To act so that every person living with a disability is recognized as a full citizen, possessing rights, talents, and hope.

On this day of remembrance, let us renew together our commitment to building a Haiti where human dignity is respected, where solidarity is a living value, and where no one is left behind.

May the memory of the victims of January 12, 2010, continue to guide our actions and inspire our determination to build a better future for all.

Thank you."

IH/iciHaïti