18723; Red Cross - Humanitarian convoy arrives in Gonaives (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Michelle Jean-Pierre <mich@haitimedical.com>

MJP - mich@haitimed.org
http://www.haitimedical.com/prince/

17-02-2004  ICRC News 04/17
Haiti: Humanitarian convoy arrives in Gonaives
The ICRC yesterday delivered a consignment of aid to the hospital in
Gonaives for the first time since the city came under the control of the
armed opposition.

Anxious to alleviate a situation of humanitarian concern in a city
rocked by violent clashes, the organization obtained the security
guarantees needed for the operation from both the Haitian government and
the Artibonite Resistance Front.

With two ICRC doctors on board, the convoy left Port-au-Prince on Monday
morning and arrived later in the day in Gonaives where it delivered
1,200 kg of surgical supplies, enough to treat over 100 wounded people.
The ICRC doctors will be endeavouring to improve the functioning of this
hospital hampered in its work by the fact that the dangerous situation
has made both staff and patients afraid to go to the facility.

The head of the ICRC's mission in Haiti pointed out that the three-day
operation would also be used to assess, together with the Haitian Red
Cross, the need for further humanitarian aid in Gonaives and the
surrounding area.

In recent days, surgical kits have also been pre-positioned at Justinien
Hospital, in the northern city of Cap Haïtien, and at Canapé-Vert
Hospital in Port-au-Prince. Another kit will shortly be sent to St
Michel Hospital in the southern town of Jacmel.

Meanwhile, senior government officials have reaffirmed their willingness
to allow ICRC delegates to step up their visits to detainees. They will
now have access to those being held in police stations.

Visiting persons deprived of their freedom enables the ICRC to monitor
their physical and mental condition throughout their period in
detention. The organization's observations and recommendations are
conveyed confidentially to the authorities concerned.

MJP - mich@haitimed.org
http://www.haitimedical.com