Leading aid agencies are calling for concrete measures to protect civilians in Sri Lanka caught up in
heavy fighting between Government and Tamil Tiger forces.Heavy fighting between Government forces and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) has resulted in civilians being injured and killed.We’re deeply concerned about the 250,000 people displaced amidst the violence. And it’s not just their physical safety that worries us - their access to healthcare, food aid, medical
supplies, shelter, clean water and sanitation is already severely limited.The LTTE continues to stop civilians from leaving the area under its control, despite a safe zone being agreed in
January. Over the last week, civilians have been moving into this area, but reports of shelling and fighting continue.We are calling on the LTTE to allow full freedom of movement for all
civilians - and to allow safe passage to those wishing to leave the area in conflict. We are also asking the Government of Sri Lanka to help civilians by providing safe routes out of the conflict
zone.Read the official statement and press releaseWhere we work: Oxfam in Sri Lanka
Medical staff rush a Tamil man to a ward at a hospital in the eastern port of Trincomalee, about 257 km (160 miles) east of Colombo, Sri Lanka, February 11, 2009. ...
