DENMARK TAKES IMPORTANT STEPS IN HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

Today, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Ms. Ulla Tørnæs, pledged another $4m to support the ongoing relief effort in Haiti. The money goes toward the protection of women and children.

Women and children have been hard hit by last week’s devastating earthquake and the ensuing collapse of social security institutions, and both groups remain exposed to violence and abuses.

Denmark is the only country to pledge money specifically to support and protect women and children.

Says Ms. Tørnæs:

- The reports and pictures coming out of Haiti show a desperate people, and the images of frightened children stick with you.

- Denmark was the first country to pledge money the United Nations’ Humanitarian Fund in Haiti, and we are the first to pledge funds toward protection of civilians. I hope other donors will follow suit.

Denmark’s contribution of $4m meets a fourth of the total amount that the United Nations has appealed for to go toward protection of civilians.

The Minister also announced that Denmark had freed an additional $30m for immediate use for the UN emergency fund and the World Food Program, money that were originally to be put to use later in 2010.

Apart from various UN institutions, Denmark is also working with several other organizations, including Red Cross and the European Union’s relief efforts, to provide relief for the people of Haiti.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 20th 2010