A devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Haiti causing an unfolding humanitarian crisis. Children have been killed and injured — many are in desperate need of clean water, shelter and medical help. Early reports indicate a large number of casualties and widespread damage.

UNICEF sent emergency teams from around the region to help and aid is getting through, providing clean water, preventing disease and saving lives. However more supplies are urgently needed.

The situation for Haiti was already difficult before the earthquake hit the island. Haiti is the one of the poorest countries in the world and is struggling to recover from years of violence, insecurity and massive natural disasters. More than half of the country's 9.6 million inhabitants are under 21 years of age.

All children have rights — these are most at risk of being denied in emergencies. UNICEF is working to ensure that the rights of children affected in Haiti are not forgotten.

UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949. We rely entirely on voluntary contributions and receive no funding from the United Nations budget.

Your donation will go to the Haiti Earthquake Children’s Appeal to support children affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

If the funds raised exceed UNICEF’s funding requirements for this emergency‚ the money will go to UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund.

So please dig deep and donate now.