UN remembers those killed in Haiti earthquake in 2010

Wed, 12 Jan 2011

New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon led the world organization on Wednesday to commemorate victims of the earthquake in Haiti a year ago, vowing to maintain solidarity with the Haitian people as they face challenging days ahead.

The ceremony at UN headquarters in New York took place in the small chapel decorated with glass windows by French artist Marc Chagall and attended by senior officials of the organization.

A moment of silence lasting 47 seconds was held to echo the duration of the earthquake that struck the capital Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010, at 4:53 pm local time.

"We are gathered today in solidarity with the people of Haiti, with one another, and with all who lost their loved ones on that tragic day," Ban said in an address at the solemn ceremony. "For all who suffer injuries, physical and emotional, we offer our deepest sympathy."

The magnitude 7 quake killed an estimated 222,000 people, including 102 UN personnel and peacekeepers.

Ban said the struggle by the Haitian people and government to rebuild, backed by the international community, is far from over and the road ahead "will be long and hard."

"The UN and the entire international community has stood by Haiti and its people in its darkest hour," Ban said, urging continued efforts at recovery and reconstruction. "Together we will work with them toward a brighter future."

"In the memory of our fallen comrades, let's pledge to realize their dreams of a better Haiti," Ban said about the work of UN personnel who died in the quake.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/362049,killed-haiti-earthquake-2010.html.