Why is MINUSTAH still in Haiti?
Why is MINUSTAH still in Haiti? That was the permanent question passing through my mind when I landed at the airport named “Toussaint Louverture” in the capital of Haiti: Port-au-Prince last August, 11th 2016. This is my second tour here, my first one lasted two amazing years since December 6th, 2011 until December 6th, 2013, and I really wanted to come back here in order to finish my police career working abroad and be aware of the recovering process that United Nations-UN is carrying out here since 2004.
MINUSTAH stands for Mission des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en Haïti (French acronym) was established here since the UN Security Council adopted its resolution number 1542 on April 30th, 2004 due to the fragile political situation countrywide, crime levels and gang activities were raising, demonstrations and road blocks were increasing, most of them triggered by socioeconomic grievances, such as insufficient governmental investment, political corruption, 10% core inflation; and as colophon, a number of cases of politically motivated violence generated public anxiety.
Additionally, Haiti has suffered humanitarian challenges such as lack of food production, flooding as a result of heavy rainy season and cyclones, 2010 earthquake which was devastated, spreading and increasing cases of cholera (ironically brought into the country by the Nepal Army members) and other problems.
To attend all those serious problems, UN has created the "Peacekeepers Program" that belongs to the Department of Peacekeeper Operations or DPKO, founded in New York where is located the UN headquarters and focused on solving troubles in conflicted countries or afflicted areas, such as Africa, where currently there are established nine of the sixteen (16) operations around the world. The missions in Haiti and Colombia are the current peacekeeping operations located in the western hemisphere.
Although working abroad as a peacekeeper in Haiti on behalf of the Colombian National Police is a real pride and honor, but is also a personal sacrifice because I will be serving very away from home and my beloved ones. During one year I will be named also as a “blue beret” because of the light blue beret that we wear in ceremonies or special events.
But moreover this experience would be challenging and sometimes even dangerous, at the end I will be pretty sure that after working with dedication and commitment it could inspire the Haitian people who are constantly living with pain and suffering which are a daily part of their lives and trying to improve their lives in the noble cause of peace, that peace that we are now seeking to get in our country. So that is why we are still working in Haiti.
By John Jairo Jaramillo Buitrago
I am looking forward to getting your comments about this, Please don't hesitate to add them here. God bless you all.
It seems to be a very interesting experience to be part of the UN, furthermore help to create confidence in a country that has been shocked by nature and many years of isolation must be rewarding for someone who has dedicated his life to serve people in the police force. I really admire the ones who strive for others.
ResponderBorrarJairo
Thank you so much for your support and confidence given to me Teacher Jairo. I hope all these experiences encourage my peers to find work opportunities abroad for applying their awesome language skills.
BorrarTo serve needy communities and help those people to rebuild confidence in life is one of our responsibilities with the world. You have the chance right now to achieve that goal together with the possibility of providing that community with the sicological tools to continue with their own culture. How nice!!
ResponderBorrarThanks Blanca. You are right! Even though working abroad in a non-family-duty station like Haiti could be a very lonely job, it might end up an unforgettable experience.
BorrarI have to say that we always want to do something for other people, but you have on your hands a big responsibility and a great oportunity to help to rebuild a country. It is sad and frustrating to see how many years have passed since the terrible earthquake and how the world has been indifferent to the situation of this country. Hopefully it won´t be long until the country will be restored and people could feel relief.
ResponderBorrarStraightforward point of view Lyda, taking into account that UN has been to Haiti for years, our best wish remains to take out this country from the "failed country" infamous list. Almost done so far, but still too much work to do.
BorrarHello again John Jairo. I see that you have been very active with your blog. It seems to me that your classmates have been tight to your experiences in Haiti. Keep feeding it with more of them please
ResponderBorrarOf course Teacher, I will try to add updated info at least once a week. Thank you.
BorrarJohn Jairo, thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us. You have this unique opportunity and I am pretty sure you are learning a lot about life. For sure, you will have a significant personal growth. Congratulations!
ResponderBorrar