Summertime with...Cholera?

Cholera in Haiti

The UN Strain

article: http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2013/07/cholera-haiti

           In Haiti, there has been an outbreak of cholera, an infectious and often fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine that is typically contracted from infected water supplies and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Haitians claimed that the outbreak was a result of the unsanitary actions of a nearby UN peacekeeping base. The UN has disregarded all claims and has done little to acknowledge the possible fact that they are at fault. “…The UN’s stance is tantamount to claiming impunity-that the UN, an organization whose mission involves promoting the rule of law, is putting itself above it.”

            I was quite disappointed at how the UN is currently dealing with these affairs. Thousands of Haitians are affected by this new strain of cholera that many scientists are finding to be present in Nepal, where the peacekeeping base was staffed. The United Nations was made to promote international peace, security, and cooperation; however, this case calls into question the determination of the organization to truly execute actions to meet its objectives. Haiti does not possess the proper sewage system to combat the insanitation that plagues its waterways. I believe that the UN needs to take the initiative and be responsible for its actions. Although it is difficult for such a large organization to admit that they carried out quite unprofessional acts, the health of the people of Haiti is more important than the reputation the UN encompasses. I find it very saddening that the well-known United Nations has barely lent a hand to this devastated country because the incident does not coincide with its “political and policy matters.” The UN is basically saying that it is not responsible for any of its actions that are outside of its jurisdiction. This statement paves the way for a very dangerous organization as it allows for its members to continuously execute harmful actions without any consequences. If we give the UN the benefit of the doubt and say that it was not the direct cause of the outbreak, I still believe that it should take partial responsibility for the indirect cause of it.   

            The cost to repair the damage is tremendous, but that should not stop efforts to aid the affected country. I wish there was more news of this depressing event so that more people can contribute to a charitable organization that can help the people of Haiti. Perhaps the UN and other countries can help fund a more effective sewage system to prevent further cases of cholera or even fund a more advanced medical center to treat infected patients. There are many ways in which the UN can aid Haiti; I hope that the organization will be able to find it in itself to help the victims of the bacterial strain one way or another.