“Reports of the devastation caused by the earthquake are deeply distressing,” Ms Bokova said. “I wish to express my heartfelt concern and sympathy for the people of Haiti, and pledge that our Organization will do everything possible within its areas of expertise to help the population through this terrible ordeal.
“I am also anxiously awaiting news of the UNESCO team based in Port-au-Prince.”
UNESCO, which has an office in the capital, Port-au-Prince, is closely monitoring the situation in Haiti and working with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure the most effective and rapid response.