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World Bank Joins the IMF in Seeking Debt Reduction for Haiti January 21st, 2010
The World Bank announced today that it is taking steps to cancel Haitian debt owed to the institution. The institution announced a $100 million grant on January 13 in response to the earthquake. The Bank released this statement:
“Currently, Haiti’s debt to the World Bank, which is interest-free, is about $38 million—about 4% of Haiti’s total external debt. Due to the crisis caused by the earthquake, we are waiving any payments on this debt for the next five years and at the same time we are working to find a way forward to cancel the remaining debt.”
IMF Loan Changed to a Grant January 20th, 2010
Under pressure, the IMF has changed its US$100 million loan to a grant. Dominique Strauss Kahn, the head of the IMF, has called for a major multilateral aid plan to rebuild the shattered Caribbean island of Haiti where the rescuers are still struggling to save lives after last week’s devastating earthquake.
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Haitians in US Granted Temporary Protective Status January 15th, 2010
The Obama Administration late Friday afternoon announced the granting of Temporary Protective Status to undocumented Haitians currently living in the United States. This Protection is for a period of 18 months and will apply only to Haitians already in the US. The Administration had suspended deportations of Haitians immediately following the massive earthquake on Tuesday that devastated Port au Prince, the Haitian capital.
The Oblate JPIC Office welcomes this development. Thanks to everyone who responded to our Action Alert on this.
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The People of Haiti Need your Help January 14th, 2010
Port au Prince is Devastated; Food Supplies are threatened elsewhere in Haiti
Most Oblates are believed safe, but news is still minimal.
Relief aid is urgently needed. Donatations are being accepted by the US Oblates – click here.
While the US is responding vigorously, policy changes are still needed.
– Official assistance needs to be in the form of grants, NOT loans.
– All of Haiti’s debts need to be cancelled;
– Temporary Protective Status (TPS)should be granted to undocumented Haitians in the US.
Learn more – Read our Action Alert on Haiti for more information and suggested action.
U.S. Suspends Deportations of Undocumented Haitians Due to Earthquake January 14th, 2010
In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, United States Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on January 13 that it is temporarily suspending deportations of all undocumented Haitians living in the United States. There was no immediate indication that the federal government would grant Haitian nationals needed Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Temporary protected status is a special state granted to immigrants of certain nationalities who are unable to return to their countries because of armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Somalia refugees have been granted TPS. Haiti clearly qualifies.
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