Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112055551400.htm

International

Amnesty appeal to Colombo

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: Amnesty International on Wednesday urged Sri Lanka and the LTTE to allow international monitors to assess the needs of the “thousands of people” trapped in the Wanni region and to ensure proper distribution of food and other resources.

The appeal came as hundreds of British Tamils held a protest outside Parliament in support of Sri Lankan Tamils. They also thanked the people of Tamil Nadu for their “support.” Protesters, mobilised by the British Tamil Forum, were addressed by several British political leaders.

In a statement, Amnesty welcomed India’s food aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross, but said it was important to establish the aid was reaching those most in need.

The statement said: “Thousands of people displaced by the conflict between the LTTE and government forces are currently in desperate need of shelter, food and sanitation. As the north-east monsoon season approaches, only 2,100 temporary shelters for 4,000 families have been provided, leaving at least 20,000 families in need of protection from the elements.”