United Nations Agencies Reaffirm Commitment to Chile, Offer Condolences and Express Solidarity

Directors of UN organizations and agencies highlighted the quick response of the Chilean government after the earthquake on February 27.

(28 February 2010) The United Nations System organizations and agencies in Chile informed today that there were no casualties among their staff and reaffirmed their solidarity and commitment to collaborate with the authorities and the Chilean people after the earthquake that struck the country during the early morning of 27 February.

In a meeting convened in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) headquarters in Santiago by the Commission's Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, the directors of the UN organizations and agencies highlighted the rapid response of Chilean government authorities only a few hours after the earthquake and their efficient organization under the leadership of President Michelle Bachelet.

They also acknowledged the human strength and character of the Chilean people, who have been able to overcome these adversities many times during their history.

They said that by 10:00 a.m. local time, they were able to get in touch with almost all of their 978 staff members and consultants that work in Chile and, fortunately, there havet been no reports of wounded or deceased among them.

However, several UN buildings in the Chilean capital were damaged, some of them very seriously. A multidisciplinary team has already began an assessment in order to guarantee the staff safety once they return to their normal tasks.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent his condolences on Saturday to the families of earthquake victims. To monitor the situation, the Secretary-General has established contact with Chilean and ECLAC authorities and offered the organization's support to the Chilean people and government.

The directors informed they will hold daily evaluation meetings under the coordination of ECLAC with representatives of the following UN organizations and agencies based in Santiago: UNHCR, ECLAC, FAO,  OHCHR, UNAIDS, PAHO/WHO, IOM, ILO, UNDP, WFP, ITU, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNIFEM.

For questions, please contact ECLAC Information Service.  Email: dpisantiago@cepal.org ; phones: (56-2) 210-2040/2149.