NEWSDESK
AUDIO: Listen nowMore than 150,000 people are currently trapped by fighting between government troops and the rebel
group known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or LTTE."Regular, safe access for humanitarian agencies is urgently required, so that lifesaving supplies can be provided, and civilians
must be allowed to move to safe areas where essential humanitarian support is more readily available," Veneman added. 40,000 have escapedAround 40,000
people have been able to escape the conflict zone, and humanitarian groups are rushing to assist them."UNICEF has been rapidly setting up toilets, getting
proper sanitation and providing clean water," said UNICEF Sri Lanka Chief of Communication James Elder. "We're also supporting hospitals who, of course, are overcrowded with the injured." Elder said there are over 500 pregnant women among the displaced; UNICEF is supplying pregnancy kits for them. If the fighting continues, the number of children and women in need could increase
exponentially in the coming weeks.Rights of children compromisedEven temporary displacement can have a massive impact on children's health and
development. UNICEF is working to mitigate the effects of school disruptions and the adverse psychological effects caused by exposure to violence in Sri Lankan conflict areas.Veneman urged all
sides in the conflict to prevent civilian casualties and respect the rights of children."Children are the innocent victims of Sri Lanka's conflict," she said. "They desperately need assistance
and extraordinary efforts must be taken to protect them."
