As Haitians Protest Aid Blockage, Corruption, UN Calls It Political, Murky Land Deals

By Matthew Russell Lee
www.innercitypress.com/haiti2undp020810.html

UNITED NATIONS, February 8 -- A protest of "hundred of Haitian" women in Petionville on Sunday was characterized on Monday as merely political by the UN's humanitarian coordinator Kim Bolduc.

Inner City Press asked Ms. Bolduc about the protesters, who accused Petionville's Deputy Mayor of hoarding aid so it didn't reach those most in need. Inner City Press asked, does the UN have any response?

Ms. Bolduc said, contrary to Reuters, that there was "no disturbance reported there." Video here, from Minute 23:08. She went on to say that the UN "cannot avoid conflicts" between "groups in power."

She appeared then to in fact be aware of the protest, recounting that a "group of political parties... told people they could ask for more."

Given how much the UN speak of the needs of the poor, while asking for money, it would seem that the UN should listen, and not dismiss, protests by the poor saying, we are not getting enough food.

But the UN, as a club of governments, is most committed to always working through governments. So when a government, even a local one like in Petionville, is protested, some in the UN automatically side with the government. So much for the Millennium Development goals....

Inner City Press also asked Ms. Bolduc about reports that private land owners are getting side commitments for money in exchange for land to shelter and house the displaced, that the UN is involved in. Ms. Bolduc had said no money was changing hands, then told Inner City Press that of course rent would be asked for. Finally, she said that landlords were being "negotiated" with to give or lend for free their land. What's to negotiate, then? We'll have more on this.

And see, www.innercitypress.com/haiti2undp020810.html