Backpacks Full of Hope: The UN Mission in Haiti

Published:
March 16, 2010

Originally published as Mision en Haiti, con la mochila cargada de esperanza, this first-hand account by Chilean general Eduardo Aldunate, Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) from September 2005 to September 2006, provides insight on the peace operation and the long-term endeavour to clear Haiti’s path to prosperity.  This book sets the stage for Aldunate’s arrival in Haiti, including the events precipitating the deployment of a Provisional Multinational Force after the fall of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, before engaging in a memoir of his experiences as the situation was stabilized and presidential elections were held. The devastating earthquake on January 12, 2009, affected many of the people and places General Aldunate refers to in this book and refocused the world's attention on Haiti's needs.

Major General Aldunate has served as a Chilean Army officer since 1973.  He is currently Commander of Military Schools for the Chilean Army and has written books and academic articles on military leadership and strategic civilian-military relations for civilian and military publications.

Foreword by Jorge Heine, Distinguished Fellow, CIGI.

Book available here.

About the Author