Port-au-Prince, January 12, 2013 – Today January 12 2013 marks the third anniversary of the deadly earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands in Haiti. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti, Mariano Fernandez, on behalf of the UN family, remembers this disaster with emotion and pays tribute to all the women and men, Haitian and international, who died during this tragic event.

The Special Representative shares the deep pain and the memories of families who lost their loved ones, leaving an indelible scar in their heart. The United Nations, engaged with the Haitian people, understands and feels the same pain, having lost as well many members of its staff, Haitian and international, including the former Special Representative, Hédi Annabi.

In spite of the structural challenges ahead, the UN family in Haiti, in support of national and local authorities, as well as of its population, maintains its recovery efforts. Encouraging signs of progress and positive results have been noted in various areas. The UN will continue, to the best of its capacities, to support efforts for the reconstruction of Haiti.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support all initiatives to strengthen rule of law and the daily work of the brave Haitian population who, in spite of natural disasters that struck the country, is firmly engaged in the reconstruction of infrastructures and their economic recovery.