‘We were involved’: UN admits role in introducing cholera in Haiti
Researchers say there is ample evidence that cholera was introduced to Haiti’s biggest river in October 2010 by inadequately treated sewage from a UN peacekeeping base
The United Nations is saying for the first time that it was involved in the introduction of cholera to Haiti and needs to do “much more” to end the suffering of those affected, estimated at more than 770,000 people.
Researchers say there is ample evidence that cholera was introduced to Haiti’s biggest river in October 2010 by inadequately treated sewage from a UN peacekeeping base. The United Nations has never accepted responsibility, and has answered lawsuits on behalf of victims in US courts by claiming diplomatic immunity.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq’s statement referring to the UN’s “own involvement”, , came a step closer to an admission of at least some responsibility and was welcomed by lawyers for the victims.
It is high time for the UN to make this right and prove to the world that ‘human rights for all’ means for Haitians too
“This is a major victory for the thousands of Haitians who have been marching for justice, writing to the UN and bringing the UN to court,” said Mario Joseph, a Haitian human rights attorney whose law firm is leading a high-profile claim on behalf of 5,000 cholera victims who blame the UN for introducing the disease.
“It is high time for the UN to make this right and prove to the world that ‘human rights for all’ means for Haitians too,” he said.
Haq said in the statement that the United Nations has been considering a series of options, and “a significantly new set of UN actions” will be presented publicly within the next two months.