As the second anniversary of the earthquake of 12 January 2010 approaches, the HSG is preparing for a major campaign lasting 18 months to persuade the European Union (and others) to change their approach to development aid in Haiti so that he country will be given a chance to take control of its own destiny.
Leading human rights lawyer Mario Joseph will visit London, Scotland and Brussels on a 10 day tour to provide the analysis and proposals of grassroots civil society in Haiti to the public and key decisionmakers.
The main public event in London, organised by a coalition of UK groups committed to Haiti, including the HSG, will be
Haiti: Year Zero Plus Two – an “Edutainment” event, on 12 January, 2012 at TUC Congress House, WC1B 3LS
An important part of Mario's visit will be meetings with the European institutions in Brussels, where we will be starting our 18 months advocacy campaign to change EU politics vis-a-vis Haiti. The EU is currently reviewing its development policy and will in due course set up new aid instruments under which will have a significant impact on Haiti.
A detailed research on EU-Haiti relations commissioned by HSG, shows that there are realistic prospects for persuading the EU to place a greater emphasis on food security and sovereignty.
In addition will lobby the newly created European External Action Service (EEAS - EU Foreign Office) to effect greater engagement with the politics of development in Haiti to ensure aid governance which allows for greater steer coming from the Haitian government and civil society and which delivers sustainable development for the poor.
Mario will also visit Scotland to meet African and pro-Haiti grassroots NGO groups and Labour movement and student activists in Glasgow. He will also have a meeting in Edinburgh at the Scottish Parliament.
For further information on this programme of activities please contact the HSG Coordinator at: info@haitisupportgroup.org.