UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake has offered the Government of Japan any assistance required following the recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of the North East coast of the main island Honshu.
UNICEF has particular expertise in child protection including psycho-social support, education and water and sanitation following disasters and stands ready to provide any specialist assistance that may be required in co-operation with UNICEF's National Committee in Japan.
It is 50 years since UNICEF last provided direct support to the country. UNICEF provided milk to children for 15 years at the end of the Second World War and also wider assistance following the Ise Bay typhoon in 1959.
UNICEF in Japan has already set aside around $1,000,000 for immediate assistance. The National Committee will be working with Japanese organisations to develop plans of action for the most affected areas.