Adil Husseini of Islamic Relief and the Disasters Emergency Committee today (Thursday) briefed MSPs about the horrors he witnessed in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake and about the aid effort being undertaken.

Adil arrived in Port-au-Prince 36 hours after the devastating earthquake hit, which killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless. Adil said:

"The devastated city of Port-au-Prince greeted us with the smell of death. Nothing hit us like seeing the dead bodies; their stench overpowered everything else. As we entered deeper into the heart of the city it became apparent how the little infrastructure that was once in place had been brought to its knees. People were trying to keep hold of anything they found or were able to salvage amidst the disaster. Some had taken to looting and the local security struggled to bring a sense of order to a community so desperate and still very much in a state of shock.

We really are in a race against time to provide the people of Haiti with food, water and shelter. I am witnessing how they suffer every day and I hope our donors will give generously so we can help as many people as possible"

Elected members heard the shocking eyewitness account from Adil, who spent a week in the affected area, and witnessed a visual presentation of both video footage and photographs from the field. An update on the aid effort from other members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (NGO's), working in Haiti was also provided.

Chair of the DEC in Scotland, Gerry McLaughlin of the Red Cross in Scotland said:

"Adil's account brings to life the extent of the suffering faced by the Haitian people following this terrible disaster. However, we are now beginning to see real progress on the ground thanks to our agencies and partners, who are working round the clock to bring food, water, shelter and medical care to the people of Haiti.

The need to keep up the aid effort remains huge. I therefore urge elected members, and the Scottish public, to continue to support aid agencies in our efforts to meet immediate need as well as to help rebuild people's lives and livelihoods in Haiti in the longer term."

Despite the challenges, DEC member agencies continue to dispense aid and support to those in need.

Habib Malik, Fundraiser for Islamic Relief Scotland said:

"The overwhelming support for the DEC appeal demonstrates the public's remarkable willingness to help the millions of Haitians affected by this terrible tragedy.

Whilst we are hugely grateful for this outstanding support, today's event reminders us that the situation remains critical in Haiti. We must therefore work flat out to reach many more survivors with aid. I would urge people to continue donating, as the need for aid is likely to continue for many years."

Donations have mainly been made over the phone and online, but also include corporate, postal, events, SMS and over-the-counter donations. The influence of social networking and new technology has also greatly contributed to the success of the appeal. Scots have donated £4 million alone, bringing the current UK total to £50 million.

Sponsor of the event, Glasgow MSP, Anne McLaughlin, said:

"I think it's clear to see from the outpouring of support for the people of Haiti so far, that there is no compassion fatigue in Scotland. I sense a changing attitude around this particular disaster. I think perhaps because of the truly extreme consequences for the people of Haiti, the attitude is changing from one of charity to one of responsibility.

We have an absolute duty to do all we can to help the people of Haiti and I am very pleased to be hosting a meeting that enables all MSPs to hear first hand exactly what's happening out there and how we can help."

Head of Oxfam Scotland, Judith Robertson also attended to discuss Oxfam's on-going crucial role in Haiti.

To make a donation to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk or call 0370 60 60 900, or text "GIVE" to 70077 (donates £5 to the DEC for Haiti (UK only)), donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank, or send a cheque made payable to 'DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal' to 'PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA'.

Anyone who wants to stay up to date with developments in Haiti, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts can follow the DEC on twitter at DECappeal or become a fan of Disasters Emergency Committee on Facebook.