Haitian UN Mission extended amid more appeals for aid

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – THE United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, October 14 renewed the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH.

According to Caribbean Net News, the mission, which was set to expire on Wednesday, October 15, was extended unanimously by the 15-member council to October 15, 2009. UN troops have been in Haiti since 2004, which currently has 7 000 troops and 2 000 police officers.

Meanwhile, another UN official has joined those calling for more aid for the storm-devastated country. UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Haiti Joël Boutroue said that although the situation in Haiti is temporarily stabilised, the UN does not have the resources to provide water and food at a sufficient level unless there are other contributors.

His appeal comes on the heels of the one made earlier this month by Hedi Annabi, the top UN envoy in Haiti, who warned that any progress made in the storm-battered nation is reversible, unless the international community does not increase its effort to improve social conditions in the country.

The passage of tropical storm Fay and hurricanes Ike, Hanna and Gustav between mid-August and September devastated Haiti, leaving 800 people dead and causing flooding and deforestation, most notably in the city of Gonaives, which was almost completely submerged.

The United Nations launched an appeal in September for $108M for Haiti; however, it is estimated that the nation has only received 15 percent that it has been seeking from the international community.