The United Reformed Church has joined campaigners across the world in calling for the cancellation of Haiti’s debts as the country tries to get back on its feet after last month’s devastating earthquake.

The call follows the International Monetary Fund’s latest loan to Haiti, which brings the country’s debt to the fund to $250 million. Campaigners say that financial institutions should forgive Haiti its long-standing debts – many of which were secured by corrupt regimes – and that governments should now make grant aid instead of loans available.

Linda Mead, coordinator of the URC’s Commitment for Life programme, said: “We urge the IMF to cancel all debts to Haiti to allow its people to rebuild their shattered lives and infrastructure. We are asking churches to support this campaign.”

A statement calling for the immediate and unconditional cancellation of Haiti’s debts signed by a coalition of non-governmental groups including Christian Aid and the Jubilee Debt Campaign was handed to Chancellor Alistair Darling ahead of a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Canada this weekend.

The campaign reflects the views of Haitian civil society organisations. Camille Chalmers of the Haitian Advocacy Platform for Development said:

“The debts imposed by the IFIs and the major world powers have contributed to destroying our country. It's the equivalent of an earthquake which has lasted from late in 1983 when we signed the first standby agreement with the IMF. These loans have caused earthquakes, aftershocks and tremors which have undermined our institutions and our capacity to respond to a crisis of this magnitude."