The Haiti earthquake which ravaged the country exactly a year ago killed around quarter of a million people, and even today some 800,000 are left without permanent housing. Church services are being conducted around Haiti to mark the anniversary of the disaster, and a minute of silence is planned for 16:53 local time which signifies the minute that the quake hit the nation.

It is widely reported that rebuilding efforts have barely been initiated, and as well as the massive death toll caused as a direct result of the earthquake over 3,000 people have died due to a cholera outbreak which is still continuing.

State buildings have been closed today in Haiti. President Rene Preval and other government leaders stood alongside mourners while laying wreaths at a mass grave outside Port-au-Prince. Former American president Bill Clinton, who has featured heavily in the press for his personal relief work in the stricken country, joined the procession. Alongside the commemoration services taking place in Haiti, both religious and secular services are being held around the world.

The poignant moment comes after a period of political unrest in Haiti following a failure to decide on new leadership during the election in November – the results came under widespread scrutiny as accusations of fraud and bullying at the voting booths have circulated, and violent protests broke out after the provisional results were issued.

More criticism has been levied towards the earthquake relief effort itself, in particular the organization of aid and its usefulness so far. Worldwide, just over $2bn had been promised last March but to date only 63% ($1.28bn) of the total has been raised. Oxfam and medical charity MSF are amongst the organizations who have spoken out about the aid distribution problems which have dogged Haiti so far.

Reported by Sam Doving.

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