A new approach to aid

A new approach to aid

We need to strengthen the South-South approach to help Haiti. The North-South approach has failed. It creates dependency, and when a tragedy occurs, developed nations run to send aid that is generally mismanaged, inappropriate and brought into a country through NGOs. President [Rene] Preval tells me that every one dollar spent in aid only 1 cent reaches Haiti.

These were the words of President Rafael Correa in Quito during the UNASUR summit whose members met to find alternative ways to help Haiti.

The main criticism is that Haiti has been receiving aid for years and people continue to be extremely poor. Yes, after UN intervention security has improved but there have been no significant improvements in people's lives.

Haiti still imports 50 per cent of the food it consumes and much of it comes from the United States.

UNASUR members made a commitment on Tuesday to create a $100m fund that will help in reconstruction efforts but also that will help to strengthen Haiti's government, institutions and economy.

Countries like Argentina will donate seeds and expertise to work the country's agriculture. Ecuador will send a task force to rebuild roads, and so on. Each country offered to donate its expertise.

But Preval looked worried. He said "I'm nervous. I have to go back to my country and I cannot talk about a long term plan. My people still do not have enough tents and it's raining. What aid can you give me now?"

The truth is Preval needs to deliver to his people. He also knows what happens in Haiti when people run out of patience: protests that often end up in violence.

The president's of UNASUR looked shocked. They were trying to show the difference between themselves and countries like the US.

They were talking about long term commitments and here was Preval demanding immediate assistance. It seems incredible that after the amount of aid that has been sent to Haiti the government is still begging for tents.

In the end, all presidents promised to get as many tents as possible and to work on the other commitments made. Haiti needs a middle and a long term commitment and I am sure Latin America has a lot to offer.

But the emergency situation is not over yet and while a long term plan is necessary, providing immediate food, healthcare and shelter is an urgent need.