Feature
Secretary Clinton Travels to Haiti
Secretary Clinton Views the Aftermath of Haitian Earthquake
"I'm so proud...of our private citizens, the generosity of the American people. This is a terrible, horrible catastrophe for the people of Haiti, but I think that the outpouring from America and beyond should give them some reason to hope." -- Secretary Clinton, Jan. 17, 2010
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti January 16, 2010 to meet with Haitian officials and to view the severe aftermath of the devastating earthquake. President René Préval of Haiti and Secretary Clinton met in Port-au-Prince in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake and its tragic aftermath, and issued a joint communiqué.
Trip Highlights
The White House Office of the Press Secretary released an update on the U.S. government response to the Haiti earthquake disaster. The text of their release follows.
On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten.” The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Below please find some key facts and examples of government actions to date. Click here to find some key facts and examples of government actions to date. All numbers are accurate as of noon Sunday, January 17, 2010. Fact sheets and other releases on the earthquake in Haiti»
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
"Both of us have personally witnessed the tremendous generosity and goodwill of the American people and of our friends around the world to help in times of great need. There is no greater rallying cry for our common humanity than witnessing our neighbors in distress. And, like any good neighbor, we have an obligation and desire to come to their aid."
Former Presidents William Clinton and George W Bush
January 2010
FBI warning on Haitian Earthquake The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines. Read More |
In the aftermath of the disaster, President Barack Obama asked President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush to raise funds for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of food, water, shelter, medical care, and support.
In response, the two Presidents established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (CBHF) to identify and fulfill unmet needs in the region, foster economic opportunity, improve the quality of life of those affected over the long term, and assist the people of Haiti as they rebuild their lives and country. Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas.
One hundred percent of the donations made to the Clinton Foundation go directly to relief efforts. Ninety-nine percent of the donations made to the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund» Online Donations Page»INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION
Office of Children's Issues, United States Department of State
Adoptions from Haiti
The Department of State receives inquiries from American citizens concerned about the plight of children in areas of conflict and in countries afflicted by natural disasters such as the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, hurricanes, and tsunamis. The US Department of State shares this concern for children in devastated areas and understands that some Americans want to respond by offering to open their homes and adopt these children in need. It can be extremely difficult in such circumstances to determine whether children who appear to be orphans truly are eligible for adoption. During times of crisis, it can also be exceptionally difficult to fulfill the legal requirements for adoption of both the U.S. and the child's country of origin. It can also be difficult to gather documents necessary to fulfill the legal requirements of U.S. immigration law.
If you were in the process of adopting a child from Haiti and have questions pleas e visit the State Department's Office of Children's Issues web site on Intercountry Adoption for newly revised guidelines. U.S. citizens with pending adoption cases in Haiti can also email AskCI@state.gov for information about their adoption case
Finding Loved Ones: Welfare and Whereabouts
( Read More )
To ask for or provide information about U.S. Citizens in Haiti email the Task Force at Haiti-Earthquake@State.Gov or call 888-407-4747(from the U.S. or Canada); 202-501-4444 (outside the U.S. and Canada). For U.S. Citizens in Haiti Seeking Assistance or Reporting Their Status/Whereabouts call the Embassy's Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672 or email the Embassy at ACSPaP@state.gov.
For All Nationalities and Locations
Use the Person Finder to find and share information about missing persons in Haiti.
