Asked later on CNN how he could blame the victims, many of whom could not flee the storm because they had no transportation or were too frail to evacuate on their own, Brown said he was not blaming anyone.

CNN: FEMA chief: Victims bear some responsibility

But Haiti's long-term social and political problems are also partly to blame for the slow response to the needs of the earthquake victims.

BBC: Quake-stricken Haiti bears scars six months on

"For too long, they have been the forgotten victims of war, responsible for none of the blame but bearing the worst of the pain, " she said.

CNN: G8 nations pledge action to halt sexual violence in war

Victims may even feel guilt, shame and embarrassment or blame themselves as a result of this.

CNN: Most missing person cases don't have happy ending