The harrowing images and stories coming out of Haiti are devastating to watch. The incredible outpouring of concern, aid and assistance coming from the United States and all over the world offers hope.
But one tangible way we can truly help Haitians build a better tomorrow is to convince global creditors to cancel Haiti's $1 billion international debt. Doing so will help make sure that every possible future dollar goes towards rebuilding a stronger Haiti, not to servicing old debts.
Thankfully, the United States has already forgiven Haiti's past debts and now only gives assistance in the form of grants. We need Haiti's other creditors – the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and countries like Taiwan and Venezuela – to follow our lead and do the same.
Please sign our petition to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and international financial institutions urging them to do everything possible to achieve immediate debt cancellation for Haiti.
Dear U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and International Financial Institutions,
As Haiti rebuilds from this disaster, please work to secure the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the forms of grants, not debt-incurring loans.
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