15 February, 2004
New York City, United States of America. – The Batey Relief Alliance is preparing for a collaborative humanitarian response in light of Haiti’s crisis.
As we have all been observing, the Republic of Haiti has reached a point of chaos due to internal conflicts. The current political situation does not seem to leave any room for compromises to end the ongoing bloodshed.
With the political opposition relentless in its demand that President Jean Bertrand Aristide should leave office, and several towns now in the hands of rebel gunmen, the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) warns of an emerging humanitarian crisis in the country, which could explode into an outflow of refugees. While most refugees would try to head for Florida, several thousands would end up in nearby countries, such as the Dominican Republic.
Yesterday, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees urged regional countries to accept Haitian refugees should the exodus begins.
Given the current situation, we have an urgent need as a humanitarian aid organization not to wait, but to gather now our strengths, ideas and resources to create a contingency humanitarian plan to address human needs should the situation worsened. BRA has already been in contact with its main partners and donors, and some have already pledged support.
Based on past experiences, Haitian refugees will try to cross the easily road reached Dominican borders trying to escape persecution, retribution and hunger. As the Dominican Republic?s position remains static ? not having enough economic capacity to support Haitian refugees, thousands of Haitian children and their families will end up at the border with out food, shelter, water, medicines and emergency medical care. This may create the situation even more catastrophic.
The Batey Relief Alliance (BRA Dominicana) is convening an emergency meeting in Santo Domingo with its 13 local member organizations and government partner agencies to determine the best way to set up a response support team at the frontier zones. We will seek logistical support from the Dominican and Haitian governments, including the State Sugar Council, Ministry of Health, Military, Haiti?s Embassy and Consulate and the Migration Offices.
The Batey Relief Alliance needs your support in funding; donations of medicines, vitamins, medical supplies, food, two (2) mobile health clinics and volunteers; and shipment to mount a humanitarian operation at the border with the capacity to address the basic health needs of at least 2000 refugees per week.
Please contact us to offer your support to this urgent matter. Many lives are at stake. All donations to BRA are tax-deductible. Visit our website at www.bateyrelief.org on how to donate to the Batey Relief Alliance?s Haiti Disaster Relief Fund.
We can be reached at (917) 627-5026 or bra@bkreative.net should you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
Ulrick Gaillard, J.D.
Executive Director
