The conflict in Sri Lanka really troubles me. They claim that the fighting is over, that the "rebels" have been defeated and peace will soon follow. I am wary.
SRI LANKA CRISIS DEEPENS AS RED CROSS SUSPENDS AID
Robert Bosleigh in Colombo
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been forced to suspend the distribution of emergency supplies to as many as 300,000 people displaced by the Sri Lankan Army’s victory over the Tamil Tigers after the Government blocked access to aid camps.
Fears have been growing over the welfare of those forced to flee the conflict zone – many of whom are sick or suffering from battlefield injuries – after tight restrictions were placed on the UN and other agencies trying to administer aid.
Urgently needed supplies of food and clothing had been suspended after access to the camps was restricted by the Government, an ICRC spokesperson told The Times this morning.
The ICRC had been the only neutral aid organisation allowed inside the conflict zone. It had between 20 and 25 staff on the ground in the northeastern region where the Tigers made their last stand over the weekend but has not heard from them since last week.
Those who escaped had to wade through a mine-strewn lagoon, journeying several days to reach camps that are struggling to cope.
Accounts of conditions inside the camps — gained from testimony recorded covertly by aid workers — and the journey to them are horrifying. (continue reading...)
No comments:
Post a Comment