UNITED NATIONS, 15 January 2010 - The Member States of the Group of 77 and China would like to express their great shock and deep sorrow following the devastating earthquake that hit the sister country of the Republic of Haiti on 12 January 2010 causing many deaths and widespread destruction.

They stand in full solidarity with the people and government of the Republic of Haiti and offer condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. They also wish to extend their sympathies and condolences to the UN staff and peacekeeping troops who gave their lives serving the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as well as other United Nations and international organizations in Haiti.

The Member States of the Group of 77 and China are encouraged by the outpouring of support from the UN system and the international community and call for additional assistance to aid the survivors and support the reconstruction efforts. They also welcome the efforts of Member States which have already provided assistance or offered to contribute to the relief efforts underway in Haiti and will continue to mobilize international support to that end. They express their fervent hope for a speedy recovery and reconstruction of the areas affected by this natural disaster.

Implications of natural disasters in developing countries are immense, due mainly to the long-lasting consequences on the infrastructure, institutions, environment and the livelihood of millions of people. The Group calls on the UN and the international community to support the promotion of risk reduction measures and reconstruction and development programmes and the provision of humanitarian assistance during all phases of the disaster from relief to development in Haiti.