Denmark has pledged US$4 million specifically to support and protect women and children in Haiti, according to reports reaching from Copenhagen on Thursday.

The total contribution from Denmark is up to US$16 million now, said a statement of Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

"Denmark was the first country to pledge money for 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," said Ulla Tornas, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation.

She also emphasized in the statement that Denmark had freed an additional US$30 million 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 the Red Cross and the European Union's relief efforts, to provide relief for the people of Haiti, the statement added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2010)