Success of UN Cooperation with Regional Bodies Will Be Measured by Improvements

in People’s Lives, Secretary-General Tells Security Council Meeting

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the Security Council on Haiti and on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, in New York today, 13 January:

Before I begin, please allow me to say a few words on the devastating earthquake which happened in Haiti, and I thank members of the Council for your expressions of sympathy and condolences, and solidarity at this time of need.

[I am deeply distressed by the disaster which just hit Haiti.  It is a tragedy for the people of Haiti and for the United Nations.  We are ready to work together with the international community to bring the required assistance and aid to the people of Haiti.]

Information on the full extent of the damage remains scant.  Initial reconnaissance and aerial assessments have been undertaken.  It is clear, however, that the earthquake has had a devastating impact on the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the western part of the country.  The remaining areas of Haiti appear to be largely unaffected.  Buildings and infrastructure were heavily damaged throughout the capital and basic services, such as water and electricity, have collapsed almost entirely.

The number of dead or injured among the population is yet to be established, although the figure is likely to be in the hundreds, or even thousands.  There is no doubt that a major relief effort will be required.  I am grateful to those countries that are sending emergency relief and rescue teams.  I urge all members of the international community to come to Haiti’s aid in this hour of need.

Many of our UN colleagues on the ground are, as yet, unaccounted for.  The UN Headquarters at the Christopher Hotel collapsed in the quake.  Many people are still trapped inside, including my Special Representative in Haiti, Mr. [Hédi] Annabi.  United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) troops have been working through the night to reach those trapped under the rubble.  So far, several badly injured casualties have been retrieved and transported to the MINUSTAH logistics base, which remains largely intact.

I have been informed that some of our staff have been confirmed alive and safe, but some of them have been transported to hospital.  I will dispatch Assistant Secretary-General and former Special Representative for MINUSTAH, Edmond Mulet to Haiti as soon as possible.

MINUSTAH has around 3,000 troops and police, in and around Port-au-Prince, to help maintain order and assist in relief efforts.  MINUSTAH engineers have also begun clearing some of the main roads in Port-au-Prince, which will allow assistance and rescuers to reach those in need.  We will immediately release $10 million fr