U.S. Assistance to Haiti

As Secretary Rice stated in March 2006, "We all have a tremendous stake in the development of a democratic Haiti." The United States is committed to improving the lives of average Haitians, and it is Haiti's largest bilateral assistance donor. In fiscal years (FY) 2004-2006 the U.S. spent more than $600 million for improving governance, security, rule of law, economic recovery, and critical humanitarian needs. The President's budget request for FY 2007 includes over $198 million for Haiti.

U.S. Government assistance addresses critical humanitarian needs, strengthens governance, improves security, and fosters broad-based economic recovery in Haiti.

• Economic Growth: U.S. Government programs have distributed more than 200,000 loans to small and micro enterprises; provided $24 million to support electricity generation; and created more than 200,000 short-term jobs. The United States remains Haiti's largest trade partner, with bilateral trade totaling over $1.1 billion in 2005.
• Stability: The U.S. Government-funded urban peace-building initiative promotes peace in troubled neighborhoods by providing short-term job opportunities focused on infrastructure repair and implementing educational and health programs. The United States also supports the work of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, with contributions totaling $120 million in FY 2006.
• Governance and Democratization: The United States has provided advisors to key Haitian government ministries. To improve the justice system, 800 judges, prosecutors, and clerks have been trained. The U.S. Government works with local organizations to promote civic education and the growth of civil society. In addition, the United States launched a multi-year assistance program for Parliament in August, at an estimated cost of $7 million.
• Elections: The United States provided more than $34 million for transparent administration of all rounds of national, local, and municipal elections, as well as support for political parties, media, and voter education.
• Health: The U.S. Government provides access to basic health care to more than 45% of the population in Haiti. Every year U.S. funding is used to immunize about 50,000 children under the age of one. About $55 million has been approved for FY 2006 under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a $5 million increase over FY 2005. Through PEPFAR, an estimated 8,000 individuals will have begun anti-retroviral therapy by the end of 2006.
• Food Aid and Disaster Relief: Since the spring of 2004, the food assistance program has distributed food to over 862,000 recipients. Responding to the devastation of Tropical Storm Jeanne in 2004, a $34 million program helped Haitians repair homes, schools, and other public buildings.
• Education: U.S. Government-funded programs are improving education at 450 primary schools; 150,000 children and youth have benefited from education programs.
• Police: The United States funds a contribution of 50 U.S. police officers to the UN Stabilization Mission to Haiti, provides training for new and existing Haitian National Police (HNP), and has funded upgrades to the police academy and key police stations as well as communications, vehicles, and duty gear. Training for Haitian police officers places an emphasis on respect for human rights, ethics, and policing skills. To date, the United States has contributed $40 million in essential equipment and training assistance for the HNP.