The IHP-spirit at Camp Charlie

The base camp which is being built under the direction of IHP in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has a capacity for 230 people from different UN organizations. The camp is located within a large enclosed area called Camp Charlie, a little more than five kilometres from the airport.

There will be room for offices, accommodation, cafeteria, water and sanitation facilities within the camp. Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland have each contributed base camp equipment that can accommodate 60 UN staff. Estonia contributes with special equipment.

“The IHP-staff from different countries is working together in an impressive way. Everybody here is talking about the IHP-spirit. This is team work at its best”, Henni Boudijema, the IHP camp manager said on Friday.

Boudijema estimates that it will take at least a week to complete the camp.

WFP has sent a request for another base camp that can accommodate an additional 100 people due to the high demand for accommodation. Sweden will contribute with equipment for 40 more people. The division between the other IHP member countries had not yet been determined as of Friday afternoon (January 22nd). This equipment will be sent on a cargo flight the middle of next week.

Several UN organizations have requested accommodation space in the base camp. Due to the high demand, not everyone will be guaranteed a place despite the establishment of the camp for over 300 people. Prioritization based on necessity will be carried out by WFP.

Photos from the base camp

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Photo: Beredskabstyrelsen, denmark

Photo: Per Larsson, 24/7, MSB