The UNICEF has cautioned both the LTTE fighters and the Sri Lankan government forces that 250,000 civilians, among whom includes a considerable number of children and women, remain still trapped between confrontation lines.
The UN body has requested both the fighting sides to respect the humanitarian norms to protect the civilians.
Issuing the latest press release from its regional office in Kathmandu, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Daniel Toole has stressed that the government and rebel forces must not make the innocent children bear the burden of adults’ conflicts.
“We have clear evidence that children are being caught in the crossfire, and that children are being injured and killed,” Mr. Toole puts his concern in the press release.
Moreover, Mr. Toole has urged the fighting sides to treat the children and other civilians with ‘absolute’ priority.
Besides, the UNICEF has also indicated that it is essential to protect the safe areas, schools, medical facilities, and other peace zones for the children.
The release further states,“The best possible thing for these children and their families is to be able to move to safe areas that are free of fighting, so that they can receive support and assistance.”
The UNICEF has termed the government-LTTE conflict as “crisis for children.”