January 20, 2010

Hungarian governmental and non-governmental assistance to Haiti

Hungary is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Haiti and offers its contribution to help. To express solidarity and to assist those left without shelter, food, water and electricity supply Hungary takes its share in the coordinated European Union efforts. The EU will offer more than 400 million Euros (575 million USD) in additional aid to Haiti. The funds consist of 122 million Euros for urgent humanitarian aid, 107 million Euros for immediate reconstruction, and a further 200 million Euros to be earmarked for medium and long-term reconstruction.

Hungarian governmental and non-governmental assistance go hand in hand. Hungarian NGO-s are taking an active part in rescue work and are already on the field: the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid has sent a rescue team of medical personnel; the Hungarian Baptist Aid joined the international rescue team next day following the tragedy. Hungarian Interchurch Aid has issued a national appeal and participated in distributing food, water, shelter, blankets and medical supplies to the injured, through its local partner organizations. The Hungarian Maltese Charity Service will send equipment and personnel to the hospital of its partner organization in Haiti. The charity organization of the University of Medicine of Debrecen (DEKOM) also sends medical equipment and personnel to assist local needs. The Hungarian Red Cross has joined the efforts of the International Red Cross and launched a campaign in Hungary to collect charity donations to help the people of Haiti.

We believe the joint international efforts of governments and NGOs will ease the burden of the tragedy and the Hungarian contribution will help this happen.