From Migration Information Resource;

Report by Caitlin Whelan

Natural Disasters In Haiti and Pakistan Highlight Diaspora

Response

Earthquake in Haiti: January 12, leaves many people killed and between 1.5 million and 2.3 million displaced.

Action of the government when it is most neededUpon seeing the opportunity of money and supplies sent by

volunteers, including American doctors and nurses, the diaspora claims its active role in rebuilding Haiti: nation building, recovery, and development

The diaspora promises to exercise an involved role and to participate in decision-making.

United States grants TPS, Temporary Protected Status to Haitians in the US illegally, when the earthquake hit. This does not allow them permanent residency, however.

Canada takes similar approach in allowing government fees of students and temporary workers to be waived, including increased family re-unification requests.

Natural Disaster Hits

Pakistan flood causes the UN to call it a worse disaster than the 2004 ocean tsunami. The monsoon rains caused a flooding of about one-fifth of Pakistan’s territory, impacting 20 million people, destroying crops as well as many homes. Stagnant waters also posed the threat of disease

Due to the influence of the Taliban, Pakistan had about 2 million displaced people, even before the flood hit. This number increased in 2009, due to human rights abuses and clashes between tribal leaders

Moreover, flooded areas were home to 1.5 million of Pakistan’s 1.7 million Afghan refugees. The Pakistani government grants these refugees the right to return to their dwellings and work to rebuild what was lost in the floods.

The Pakistani diaspora has raised money for disaster relief. The floods coincided with the religious Ramadan rituals, thus increasing donations.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has not completely encouraged or welcomed the diaspora to the rebuilding process, mostly because it is still in early stages of organizing itself.

Most likely the organizational reforms of the diaspora will make it a more likely strategic partner.

Continued…

The End