The UN Country Team stressed it is still committed to helping the Government provide humanitarian assistance to civilians whether they remain in the Vanni or decide to leave, said a statement issued yesterday (3) by the UN Country Team in Sri Lanka.

It acknowledged the Government’s announcement that it will take extra steps to improve the freedom of movement of thousands of civilians affected by recent fierce fighting in the north of the country.

“Measures must be taken to prevent displacing people from their homes and livelihoods. The UN has also raised with the LTTE its urgent concern that civilians be allowed maximum freedom of movement of all times,” the statement added.