UNICEF, Caribbean States Review Draft Humanitarian Action Plan for Haiti in Panama

Regional leaders and international partners meet to align humanitarian and development priorities, with UNICEF stressing the need to keep children and youth at the center of Haiti’s response.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 27, 2026|Panama City, Panama

UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roberto Benes, participated Tuesday in a regional conference hosted by the Association of Caribbean States (ACS–AEC) in Panama, where stakeholders reviewed a draft action plan focused on humanitarian aid and development in Haiti.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Haitian government, United Nations agencies, and international partners, including the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department. Discussions centered on strengthening coordination, identifying shared priorities, and defining areas for collaboration and technical support to improve the effectiveness of assistance to Haiti.

According to UNICEF, the conference represented an important step toward reinforcing regional cooperation and ensuring the proposed action plan responds to Haiti’s most pressing needs. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning humanitarian efforts with longer-term development objectives amid ongoing challenges facing the country.

During the discussions, Benes reiterated UNICEF’s position that children and youth must remain at the core of any humanitarian and development strategy for Haiti. He underscored the need to protect humanitarian access and neutrality so essential services can reach communities safely, particularly in areas affected by insecurity.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside regional institutions and international partners to ensure children are not overlooked as policy responses and aid frameworks continue to evolve. The organization emphasized that safeguarding access to basic services remains critical to supporting Haiti’s most vulnerable populations.

Sources

UNICEF Haiti, official social media statement, January 27, 2026