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