Denmark has pledged four million U.S. dollars specifically to support and protect women and children in Haiti, according to reports reaching Stockholm from Copenhagen on Thursday.

The total contribution from Denmark is up to 16 million dollars 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 30 million U.S. dollars 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.