EMFA
At the request of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Estonia will be sending supplies to the humanitarian operations information centre in Haiti.

According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Estonia will be sending two 45 m2 tents with floors, furniture and lighting. “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 Foreign Minister Paet. 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 International Humanitarian Partnership.

Foreign Minister 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 emphasised 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 Monday the European Union foreign ministers will discuss matters related to possibly sending a civil mission. Estonia supports initiating preparations for the potential implementation of a European Union civil mission,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

Estonia is contributing 2.5 million kroons (160 000 EUR) 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 organisations. A member of the Estonian Rescue Board also worked in Haiti as part of the European Union evaluation team.

The European Commission has promised to support long-term reconstruction work in Haiti with 3.1 billion kroons (200 million EUR). The European Commission has allocated 468 million kroons (30 million EUR) for humanitarian aid in Haiti and the member states have bilaterally donated nearly 1.44 billion kroons (92 million EUR).

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