Stories of #GoodChange
The Human Race: World Humanitarian Day & The Haiti Earthquake
What after all, has maintained the human race on this old globe despite all the calamities of nature and all the tragic fallings of mankind, if not faith in new possibilities and courage to advocate them?
Jane Addams quote epitomises the concept of World Humanitarian Day – a day that calls us to reflect on those advocating for survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety of aid workers; the courageous few who stand up and advocate for change. The human race has faced many challenges, some due to natural disasters (“calamities of nature”) and some caused by other humans (“tragic fallings of mankind”). However, we can always look to new possibilities and those who have the courage to advocate them!
With the current passing of World Humanitarian Day, commemorated on 19th August, at Good Neighbours Australia we reflect on this year’s theme, which highlights the immediate cost of the climate crisis, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable. The climate emergency is a race we are currently losing, but there’s still time for the race to be won.
Haiti Earthquake
More recently, we have seen the devastating impacts of the humanitarian climate crisis in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit South-West Haiti on 14th August. The Haiti earthquake was a red level alert, causing catastrophic destruction, injury and death across many areas. Currently the death toll sits just above 2,000 people and injuries at 10,000 casualties.
*Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1098032
Haiti saw back to back crises, with the earthquake on Saturday followed by Tropical Storm Grace hitting on Monday which has caused flash flooding.
After speaking with our team on the ground in Haiti, they have shared the current situation and the need for immediate emergency relief. The priority items for emergency relief, include: personal hygiene and sanitation products e.g. soap, toilet paper, food products such as rice, beans, oil, and house items including sleeping bags, mosquito nets. The largely impacted areas after the Haiti earthquake include Camp Perrin & Aquin. The devastation in these cities can be seen below.
“NOU BEZWEN ED” – “WE NEED HELP”
Let’s restore some faith in our human race and be there for our neighbours in their time of need.
