In the aftermath of the horrific earthquake that shook Haiti January 12, the needs of orphaned and unaccompanied children are foremost in the minds of those who want to help. There has been an outpouring of interest and good will on the part of U.S. officials and the general public, but it is essential that efforts to help these children are carried out in a responsible way that takes into consideration the safety and best interest of each child.
As organizations with long histories of service to vulnerable children, Migration and Refugee Services/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (MRS/USCCB), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) are doing all we can to help protect the children displaced by this disaster. We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and, while supportive of the UN-led child protection effort underway, have concerns about the way in which some actors are responding to the needs of children.
For the full memorandum, click here!