resolution

Haiti Reconstruction and Development

2016 Book of Resolutions, #6101

When the very bottom of things falls out, what can a righteous person possibly accomplish? —Psalm 11:3

The history of Haiti is one of both spirit and struggle. Haiti became the first independent Black republic and remains the first and only country to win independence from slavery. Centuries of foreign imposition, dictatorship, and debt contributed to a weakening of the nation’s infrastructure, inadequate social services, and persistent conditions of impoverishment. Seeking employment, many people migrated from the countryside to the capital city, and hundreds of thousands of Haitians re-established life and livelihoods on other shores.

These conditions all contributed to the massive destruction that resulted when on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti. The disaster took the lives of more than 300,000 people, including 17 percent of government employees, and destroyed nearly every government building. More than 300,000 people were injured, increasing the pressure on an already fragile health care system. More than one million were left without homes. People throughout Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora continue to grapple with the impacts and are paving the way forward for healing.

In the midst of crisis are opportunities to change the cycles that have contributed to Haiti’s struggles. The Haitian people are Haiti’s greatest strength. The earthquake, in spite of its tragic dimensions, has obliged them and the international community to examine the causes of Haiti’s chronic underdevelopment and impoverishment. It provides an opportunity for the Haitian people to demand and work toward a different future, the fruit of seeds sown and partnerships forged today.

The United Methodist Church is deeply committed to a long-term relationship with the Eglise Méthodiste d’Haiti (EMH) and other organizations that lasts beyond the season of immediate relief needs. We continue to partner with Haitians and the global community in providing humanitarian assistance and economic empowerment. In the year following the earthquake, United Methodists contributed generously and sacrificially toward the reconstruction of Haiti. The funds are being invested in rebuilding Haiti in a way that strengthens the capacity of the people and to develop a sustainable infrastructure.

As we partner with the people of Haiti, we embrace the faith and hope depicted by the prophet Isaiah: “The Lord will guide you continually and provide for you, even in parched places. He will rescue your bones… . They will rebuild ancient ruins on your account; the foundations of generations past you will restore. You will be called Mender of Broken Walls, Restorer of Livable Streets” (Isaiah 58:11a, 12).

To this end, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church:

Shares in the sorrow for all the lives lost in the earthquake and continues to pray with the Haitian people for continued strength of spirit. With gratitude we remember the lives of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, staff of the General Board of Global Ministries.
Recognizes the need for Haitians to lead the reconstruction efforts of their country and calls on governments, the United Nations, and multilateral institutions to work with the Haitian government, Haitian civil society, and the Haitian Diaspora, to rebuild the country in a way that is stronger than it was before the earthquake.
Encourages financial support through The Advance to ensure that 100 percent of the funds are used for long-term relief and development efforts in an accountable and responsible manner.
Urges governments and multilateral institutions that have not forgiven debts owed by Haiti to do so and to give grants rather than loans for the reconstruction.
Urges nongovernmental and peacekeeping organizations working for development in Haiti to use a Rights-Based Approach, respecting the dignity of all people; strengthening governmental, corporate, and community sectors; and giving equal voice and value to women, children, and young people.
Ensures that women play meaningful, sustained, and formal roles in the long-term reconstruction efforts and in the design, implementation, and monitoring of aid programs; measures should be taken to protect women from sexual violence, particularly in temporary settlements; enable grassroots and other women’s organizations to build their capacity to function effectively as development and social justice promoters.
Calls on the US government to create an expedited Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program to allow thousands of Haitians who reside legally in the US, many as US citizens, to bring their family members from Haiti to the US (as part of the Church’s overall call to support reunifying families, see “Welcoming the Migrant to the U.S.” 2008 Book of Resolutions #3281).
Urges United Methodists to create local programs that deepen the awareness and understanding of Haiti, its history and culture and to engage members of the US Haitian Diaspora in these programs.
Invites those who seek to accompany our brothers and sisters in Haiti in responding directly to the needs in Haiti to discuss strategies for recovery with Global Ministries and coordinate efforts through EMH and in cooperation with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
Urges The United Methodist Church and its congregations to collaborate with the EMH, Grace Children’s Hospital, Global Health Action, and other partners to increase the long-term capacity of the health-care infrastructure of the country.

ADOPTED 2012
RESOLUTION #6101, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

*See *Social Principles, ¶ 165A, B.

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