HAITI – A HUMAN RIGHTS NIGHTMARE

AN EARTHQUAKE THAT SHATTERED MORE THAN JUST BUILDINGS

                12 of January 2010 is a day which no Haitian will ever forget. The events which unfolded on that ominous day have left an indelible impression on all those who were witnesses of the tragedy. Haiti was ravaged by an earthquake which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. The devastation it left behind is immeasurable. As a worldwide wave of empathy is rising, Haiti continues to burn.

A TROUBLED NATION PLUNGED INTO CHAOS

                This Caribbean country was already very unstable. The earthquake has only accelerated its downfall. Prior to the earthquake, Haiti was beset with dire poverty and continuous political fighting and factionalism. The economy was very feeble and after the tragedy, it has been reduced to a namesake. It was one of the poorest countries of the western hemisphere and over farming has caused the country to become completely barren. In 2008, food riots and 4 deadly floods left the country in ruins. It was in the presence of such drastically deteriorating circumstances that the earthquake occurred.

A NATION IN RUINS

                The country of Haiti is a spectacle of ruins. Most of the city of Port-au-Price has been destroyed. The government seat has been reduced to rubble and leadership is non-existent. There is no provision of either food or water and there are daily riots. As the natives try to rebuild the economy, there is significant surge in the price of various essential commodities. With no leader at the helm, the country is struggling to get back on its feet.

FAILING HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

                The United Nations together with other countries has undertaken humanitarian efforts on a war footing. Millions of dollars are being sent to the country together with relief packages. The only problem remains in the effective utilization of these resources. With no political system and rampart corruption, this is turning out to be an impossible task.  Robbery, violence and hunger have laid siege to the country, rendering most efforts useless. The aid which is being sent is not reaching those who need it the most.

PLIGHT OF THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN

                In the times of crisis, it is always the weakest that suffer the most. In Haiti, the case is no different. Women and children have been made the victims of violence and abuse. Women are being subjected to torture, rape and even killed. Children are starving and illegal trafficking has begun to take roots. The sparse presence of police has only added to their woes.

A GRIM FUTURE

                The future of Haiti is not very promising. As all aid efforts are being met with partial success, any drastic improvement in the near future is unlikely. The others countries must realize that the reason for the same lies in Haiti’s past. A major revamping of the country entire politic-economic fabric is required before any qualitative result may be achieved. While the rescue effort continues to pour in, the country is still in a downward spiral and will continue so until drastic steps are taken.

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