NEWS RELEASE

24 April 2009

New Zealand Red Cross Statement On The Situation In North-Eastern Sri Lanka

New Zealand Red Cross joins the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in expressing concern over the hostilities ravaging north-eastern Sri Lanka and the terrible impact that the fighting is having on the civilian population.

Of particular concern is the plight of the most vulnerable of the population, such as those sick or injured and the elderly, women and children that have been trapped in a government-declared ‘no-fire’ zone in the North-East of the island which is now rapidly shrinking.

John Ware, Chief Executive of New Zealand Red Cross, emphasises the importance of ensuring the effects of the ongoing conflict avoid the few remaining medical facilities in the area. “Even though badly affected by the recent increase in fighting, these makeshift facilities continue to deliver essential medical assistance to the victims of this armed conflict.”

Mr Ware also says, “It is fundamental that both aid workers and medical staff are protected so that they continue to assist the sick and injured in the midst of conflict.”

“The ICRC has reminded both parties of their obligation to comply with international humanitarian law in all circumstances. In the current context, which is exceptional in that combat is occurring in a very densely populated area, extreme precautions must be taken to avoid or in any event minimize civilian casualties. The ICRC has also reminded the parties of the prohibition on attacking persons hors de combat and of the obligation to treat captured combatants humanely.”

ENDS

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