Progress in UNICEF - LTTE Action Plan for war affected children
[March 4, 2003 - 11.45 GMT]

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have made progress in the development of an Action Plan for children affected by war in the North East including children involved in child labour, civilian or military.

At a meeting held in Kilinochchi today, between S.P. Tamilselvan of the LTTE and Ted Chaiban of UNICEF, it was decided that the LTTE would share a draft Action Plan with UNICEF March 10.

It was further agreed that a Working Group of the LTTE, the Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) and UNICEF will meet on March 14 and 15 to review the technical and operational aspects of the draft Action Plan.

A Planning Workshop will be held at the end of March 2003. This workshop will help finalise the Action Plan and will include representatives from the Government, the LTTE, TRO, UNICEF and other international agencies. This will be followed by district level workshops to aid implementation of the Action Plan in each district.

Training in Child Rights for members of the LTTE and Heads of district political sections will take place during the second week of April.

“Our commitment to all children affected by war and not to recruit children has been firm and remains firm. The LTTE has informed all military commanders and Heads of Political Sections, in writing, regarding the policy not to recruit children under 18 years of age,” said Tamilselvan.

“The LTTE has sent back to their families over 350 children and are committed to find solutions for all children who are not with their families,” he added.

The meeting ended on a positive note with Ted Chaiban stating, “I am encouraged by the positive decisions reached at this meeting. This is a very important step forward for all children.”

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Last Updated Date: March 4, 2003  - 11.45 GMT.