|
|
|
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - 11.55 GMT |
|
Relocation of UN staff from Wanni begins
next week |
|
|
|
The UN is now evaluating its operations in
the Wanni with a view to relocating
humanitarian staff. A precise timetable for
the complete withdrawal of all staff is yet
to be determined, but relocations will begin
this week, states the UN Office in Colombo.
It adds the UN notes that the Government
recognizes it holds primary responsibility
for ensuring the safety of humanitarian
workers in the area.
According to a statement from the Office of
the UN Resident /Humanitarian Coordinator
following the decision by the Government
that UN and INGO staff should relocate from
the Wanni: “The UN in Sri Lanka acknowledges
the announcement by the Government of Sri
Lanka that they can no longer ensure the
safety of aid workers in the Vanni, and
their request that UN and NGO staff should
relocate to government-controlled territory.
The UN notes that the Government recognizes
it holds primary responsibility for ensuring
the safety of humanitarian workers.
”The UN is now evaluating its operations in
the area with a view to relocating
humanitarian staff. A precise timetable for
the complete withdrawal of all staff is yet
to be determined, but relocations will begin
this week.
“The UN remains fully committed to
addressing the humanitarian needs of the
civilian population in the affected areas,
and will continuously monitor the situation
to assess how this can be done under the
circumstances.”
|
|
|
|
Contact Information: Send
mail to