Survivors the families of victims of the deadly Cholera Epidemic in Haiti are suing the United Nations for billions of dollars for covering up its role in starting the worst outbreak of the deadly disease in modern history.  And they’re getting a boost from a top UN official.

“I have used my voice both inside the United Nations and outside to call for the right - for an investigation by the United Nations, by the country concerned, and I still stand by the call that victims of - of those who suffered as a result of that cholera be provided with compensation,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

More than 8,500 people have died in the epidemic, out of 650,000 Haitians sickened.

Medical experts and independent tests confirm that Cholera was introduced to the island by UN peacekeepers from Nepal who were assisting after the 2010 Earthquake.  Despite that, the UN refuses to accept responsibility and cites its immunity. But the plaintiffs say the epidemic has destroyed families.

“They have to help us because there are so many kids that are orphans now, that lost their mom, that lost their dads,”” said plaintiff Felicia Paule, who survived cholera but lost a daughter, brother and nephew to the disease.  “They’re responsible, so they have to help.”

The lawsuit will be filed Wednesday in New York City.