Relocation of Haitian earthquake survivors must be voluntary

'The goal is to get people back into safe homes as soon as possible.
While it's easier to provide water, latrines, food and shelter in an organized
camp than in myriad vacant lots and churchyards where people have taken refuge,
we can't lose sight of the need for permanent housing, said Oxfam shelter
expert Rick Bauer, who is currently in Port-au-Prince.

'Three things will be needed to make these temporary camps work,
Bauer added. 'First, no one should be obliged to move there; the choice must be
voluntary. Second, the camps must be a real safe haven, with basic public
services for all residents, including access to jobs, shops and school. Finally,
there must be a clear exit strategy. The camps must not become warehouses of
people waiting for permanent homes that never materialize.

The government plans to relocate up to 400,000 people who have lost
their homes outside the city centre, in part to aid reconstruction efforts, but
also to stave off disease outbreaks linked to poor sanitation. An unknown number
of people have already left the city using private means or public
transport.

Construction of one camp has already begun at Croix-des-Bouquets,
where an estimated 40,000 people are expected to be relocated.

Oxfam aims to provide clean water to 89,000 Haitians living at
temporary camps that have sprung up around the city.

The digging of latrines and cleanup work has also begun. Oxfam will
distribute plastic sheeting for shelter for 2,000 people and assemble 10,000
'family kits of kitchen and hygiene supplies, such as feminine hygiene pads,
toothbrushes, pots, etc. Oxfam is also working with rural partners on plan to
increase food production in Feb-June growing season.

A cash-for-work program was expected to get underway this past
weekend, allowing Haitians to be paid for helping to clear rubble and rubbish
and help restart the economy.

Oxfam staff in Port-au-Prince are available for
interviews.

Contact: Mark Fried, Oxfam International +1 613 608 2895 or markf@oxfam.caskype:
oxfam.mark.fried *We now have high-speed internet for interviews.

In Canada, contact: Karen Palmer, media officer,
613-240-3047