Allow civilians to leave freely - UNSG tells LTTE
"LTTE's severe restrictions on freedom violate
international law"
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon
has expressed his deep distress by continuing reports of civilians being
kept at extreme risk, against their will and with heavy casualties in a
very small area by the LTTE, and calls on the LTTE leadership to allow
civilians to leave the conflict area of their own free will.
He deplores the forced recruitment of civilians,
particularly children, stating the severe restrictions of the LTTE on
their freedom of movement violate international law.
The statement by the Secretary-General issued in New
York, April 3, follows the representations to members of the UN Security
Council by Sri Lanka last week of the actual conditions in the conflict
zone in the Vanni, detailing how the LTTE holds civilian as human shield
hostages in the small area it still holds, and the regular attacks on
those fleeing to the Safe Zone on Government held area.
Members of the Security Council also heard statements
by key UN personnel, including the Under-Secretary General for
Humanitarian Affairs Sir John Holmes, on the improved conditions in the
safe zones, and of how civilians come to these zones braving killings
and other threats by the LTTE to those who flee its hold.
Following is the statement by the Spokesperson for the
Secretary on the situation in Sri Lanka issued in New York, April 3,
2009.
The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by
continuing reports from the Vanni region of Sri Lanka that civilians are
at extreme risk, with heavy casualties, and that the Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are keeping civilians in a very small area of
active conflict against their will. While some have been able to leave
or escape, reliable reports indicate that the LTTE have prevented others
from leaving, including by firing at them.
The Secretary-General calls upon the LTTE leadership
to allow civilians to leave the conflict area of their own free will.
The severe restrictions of the LTTE on their freedom of movement violate
international law. The Secretary-General also deplores the forced
recruitment of civilians, particularly children.
At the same time, the Secretary-General again reminds
the Government of Sri Lanka of its responsibility to protect civilians,
and to avoid the use of heavy weapons in areas where there are
civilians, as promised. The Government should receive and treat
displaced persons in accordance with international law, and work closely
with the United Nations in meeting the protection and physical needs of
displaced persons.
Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit
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