Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s apology to the Haitian people responsibility for the cholera epidemic that occurred after the earthquake in 2010.

“Yesterday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon apologized to the Haitian people for his institution’s responsibility for the cholera epidemic that has killed more than 10,000 people in Haiti. Although the Secretary General refused to explicitly admit fault for introducing cholera to Haiti, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty has clearly stated that cholera was introduced to Haiti by United Nations aid workers. I agree with the preponderance of scientific evidence that supports this conclusion. Now, the United Nations has a responsibility to deploy the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been pledged to address the threat of disease, lack of food security, and need for development, as well as compensating families afflicted by cholera and restoring communities that have been devastated. I urge the entire international community to become involved in this effort and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to fight for active American involvement in this important mission. In addition, I am committed to working with the incoming Secretary General to end the scourge of cholera and help Haiti achieves its vision of prosperity.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.