Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2010

Haiti: Towards and Beyond the Donors' Conference

Robert Maguire

April 2010

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

The earthquake of January 12, 2010 left up to 300,000 people dead, an equal number injured, and more than 1.3 million displaced. Overall damage and losses have been estimated at $7.9 billion, or 120 percent of Haiti’s 2009 gross domestic product. The international response was quick and decisive, reflecting a commitment to the moral and humanitarian imperative posed by the catastrophe.