Media Advisory: A Haiti fit for Children

March 29, 2010, New York—Calling for a focus on the needs of children and youth, leaders of humanitarian organizations working in Haiti will hold a panel discussion on the eve of the International Donor’s Conference: Towards a Better Future for Haiti.

The event, called “A Haiti Fit for Children,” will take place Tuesday, March 30 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Labouisse Hall facility at UNICEF House, 3 United Nations Plaza, New York. A light lunch will be served at 1 p.m.

During the session, organizational leaders will discuss the needs of children and youth, specifically their:

• Physical and emotional protection and healing
• Education
• Basic health
• Participation in their country’s future

Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ambassador Claude Heller of the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations. Following brief remarks from the panelists, BBC reporter Matthew Price will moderate a discussion with attendees and the panelists.

Representatives speaking at the event are listed below:

• World Vision: Frank Williams, National Director, World Vision Haiti
• Oxfam: Marie Soudnie Rivette, Mainstreaming Coordinator - Oxfam Great Britain
• Plan International: Jim Emerson: National Director, Plan International Haiti
• Save the Children: Cynthia Koons, Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Specialist, Save the Children, Haiti.
• SOS Children’s Villages: Celigny Darius, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Haiti
• UNICEF: Francoise Gruloos, UNICEF Representative in Haiti

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.