Forced recruitment continues within the combat zone, and the LTTE is not allowing civilians out of the area, so says U.N. humanitarian affairs chief John Holmes addressing reporters after an interactive Security Council discussion with regard to humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka yesterday (26).

“Our first appeal is to the LTTE to let the civilians out in a safe and orderly fashion,” Mr. Holmes said.

He also called on the Government to do all they can to avert civilian casualties and to not use heavy weapons in the area.
The official said he also reiterated a call for a “humanitarian pause” in fighting to allow much-needed relief in and to allow people to leave.

Since January, over 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have escaped the conflict zone into makeshift camps, located mostly in Vavuniya, as well as Mannar and Jaffna, and nearly 4,000 shelters have been constructed at various IDP sites in Vavuniya District, the statement further added.