Monday, on the eve of the commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the earthquake that struck Haiti, January 12, 2010 at 4:53:10 pm (local time), Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations addressed a message to the Haitian people.

"Tomorrow [This Tuesday, January 12], the United Nations family will mark the sixth anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti and pay tribute to the more than 200,000 victims, including 102 United Nations personnel, who perished in this tragic event. United and in solidarity with all Haitians who have lost loved ones to this catastrophe, we honour the memory of our colleagues.

The path to recovery and long-term development is not an easy one. Many Haitians continue to face multiple challenges, including displacement, food insecurity and lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Haiti remains in need of international support and I therefore call on the international community to stand with Haiti as it moves forward to rebuild.

While we honour the victims, the commemoration of this tragedy must be a source of renewed inspiration and a call to unite behind a vision for a stable, democratic and prosperous future for Haiti. Let me reaffirm the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the Haitian people in the fulfilment of their aspirations."

HL/ HaitiLibre