"This January 12, 2024, the Haitian National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) commemorates the devastating earthquake that struck the country on January 12, 2010. Fourteen years later, we continue to remember the lives lost, the weakened communities, destroyed infrastructure while building the resilience of our people.

On this day of commemoration, the General Directorate of Civil Protection stands alongside every Haitian to pay tribute to the victims, continue to express its solidarity with the survivors, and renews its commitment to supporting the entire population in the reduction of our multiple vulnerabilities.

Now is also the time to build on the fruits of this commitment to move forward. We highlight the progress made towards building a more resilient country. In order to ensure continuity, the SNGRD, through Civil Protection, continues to strengthen the capacity of departmental, municipal and local actors for better responses in emergency situations. We take this opportunity to honor the brigadiers, volunteers and partners who work tirelessly to rescue and support our fellow citizens in difficult times.

This day must be a double reminder : first, as a duty of remembrance, then, a reminder to all sectors and partners of the crucial importance of planning to anticipate and respond effectively to the multiple risks facing the country is facing, at all levels. Whether facing seismic threats, extreme weather events or other dangers, planning is an essential tool to protect communities and save lives, and engagement, a major lever of our strategies.

For this, we therefore reaffirm our commitment to disaster preparedness, building community resilience and a secure future. By working together, we can continue to anticipate dangerous events, better cope with them (like during the earthquake of August 14, 2021), overcome the challenges that arise and build a more resilient Haiti.

Let's commit to honoring the memory of the victims by working proactively for a future where our country, with its planning, can resist and recover in the face of adversity.

May the memory of those we have lost inspire us to work tirelessly for a better future."

IH/ iciHaiti