Statement on the humanitarian situation in Haiti from the President of the UN General Assembly H.E. Peter Thomson
UNITED NATIONS, New York, 10 October 2016 — The President of the United Nations General Assembly H.E. Peter Thomson expressed his deep concern for the people of Haiti in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and called upon Member States to respond to the flash appeal launched today to assist the Caribbean nation.
“I am deeply concerned by the situation in Haiti, after the strongest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade hit the region last week. The storm has resulted in hundreds of people dead and has left more than 1.4 million in need of assistance in Haiti. We must act now and bring immediate humanitarian assistance to those who need it the most,” said the President of the General Assembly.
Aside from the human loss and the material damage provoked by the storm, Haiti is facing an increase in the number of cholera cases, as well as severe food insecurity and malnutrition.
“I urge all Member States to respond with strong financial support to the flash appeal launched by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to meet the most urgent and immediate needs of 750,000 people seriously affected by Hurricane Matthew for the next three months,” he added.