Government-LTTE endangering civilian lives in Wanni area -Amnesty InternationalI

Amnesty International has accused both the Government and the LTTE of endangering the lives of thousands of newly displaced people around Wanni and said that thousands of families who fled the recent fighting in these areas must be allowed to move to safer areas and to receive necessary humanitarian assistance.

“These people are running out of places to go and basic necessities,” said Yolanda Foster, Amnesty International’s Sri Lanka researcher. “The Tigers are keeping them in harm’s way and the government is not doing enough to ensure they receive essential assistance,” AI said in a press release this evening.

AI said that the LTTE-controlled Wanni area, the Tigers have hindered thousands of families from moving to safer places by imposing a strict pass system and, in some instances, forcing some family members to stay behind to ensure the return of the rest of the family. “These measures seem designed in part to use civilians as a buffer against government forces -- a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The LTTE has also engaged in forced recruitment,” it said.

AI added that government aerial bombardment and artillery shelling since May has forced more than 70,000 people to flee their homes, primarily in Kilinochchi and Mulaitivu districts.

“Lack of cement to build adequate toilets and washrooms has forced people to use open bathing facilities. The lack of adequate privacy for women and girls has led to a notable increase in reports of sexual and gender based violence, “AI said.