Labour Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Grant Robertson today endorsed the call of the UN Secretary-General for absolute priority to be given to the protection of civilians caught up in the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka.
“It is vital that both sides in this conflict allow civilians to leave the combat zone safely, and that the Government ensure that there is a secure safe haven for civilians,” Grant Robertson said.
There are media reports that up to 300 civilians have been killed, and 1100 injured in the latest round of fighting between government forces and the LTTE (Tamil Tigers). There are estimated to be approximately 250,000 civilians in the region.
“This has the makings of a serious humanitarian crisis. Both the UN and the Red Cross are struggling to reach those in need because of the fighting.
“The Red Cross is reporting that hospitals and ambulances have been hit by shelling. There is an urgent need for both sides to respect the ‘no fire zones’ which will allow relief workers and supplies to get through to those who need them,” Grant Robertson said
On the other hand, Global Peace and Justice Auckland is supporting a rally and march organised by the New Zealand Tamil Community for next Wednesday 4th February.
The protest is make the public aware of the murderous attacks on Tamils by the Sri Lankan military in the past two weeks. This follows the Sri Lankan army fighting their way into Tamil areas in North-East Sri Lanka where they are trying to suppress the Tamil struggle for self-determination.
Meanwhile, Green party says that New Zealand should urge the Sri Lankan Government to allow aid agencies access to help civilians trapped by fighting in the country’s civil war.
Meanwhile, Green party says that New Zealand should urge the Sri Lankan Government to allow aid agencies access to help civilians trapped by fighting in the country’s civil war.
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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