Haiti: Assessing Political and Humanitarian Developments

NOTE: The start time for this event has been changed from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Last January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti continues to have serious consequences for both the humanitarian work in Haiti and the country’s long-term political development. The displacement of more than 1.5 million people, the devastation of the country’s infrastructure, and most recently, the outbreak of cholera not only challenge humanitarian and development actors, but also the political system. Recent presidential and parliamentary elections were expected to yield a new government capable of effectively leading the country’s recovery. They have been affected, however, by claims of fraud and corruption that cast serious doubts upon the results and the country’s political future. The humanitarian challenges are many: 1.3 million people are still displaced in camps where violence–particularly against women–has become endemic and prospects for ending displacement seem remote.

On December 14, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host a discussion surveying the humanitarian situation in Haiti as the one-year anniversary of the earthquake approaches. The panel will explore efforts to protect women at risk and the need to create durable solutions for the large population that remains displaced.

After the program, participants will take audience questions.