Relief effort continues in Haiti disaster

TALLINN - At the request of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Estonia will be sending supplies to the humanitarian operations information center in the Haiti relief effort.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet says that Estonia will be sending two 45 m2 tents with floors, furniture and lighting to the disaster zone. “These Estonian tents are needed to provide the aid operation workers with temporary living and working quarters, thereby helping aid to reach those who need it faster. Each tent contains working space for 20 people,” explained the minister.
The tents were acquired by the Rescue Board with the support of the Foreign Ministry in 2009 within the framework of the project to increase the capability of the International Humanitarian Partnership.

Paet stated that it is critically important for help to reach the people who need it in Haiti as quickly as possible. “At the earliest opportunity, when the long-term aid requirements in Haiti have been estimated, we will need to start making plans to support the reconstruction and restoration of Haiti,” said Paet. The foreign minister emphasized the importance of close co-operation among European Union member states in reacting to humanitarian crises.
Paet noted that aid sent to alleviate the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake should include measures to ensure public order and a way to ensure access for humanitarian aid as well as its proper distribution. “On Jan. 24, the European Union foreign ministers [discussed] matters related to possibly sending a civil mission. Estonia supports initiating preparations for the potential implementation of a European Union civil mission,” Paet said.

Estonia is contributing 2.5 million kroons (160,000 euros) through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to alleviate the effects of the earthquake in Haiti. Estonia also sent an IT expert and a 3-member logistics team with supplies to Haiti to support the activities of international organizations. A member of the Estonian Rescue Board also worked in Haiti as part of the European Union evaluation team.