Action Alert Archive'Bloodbath' predicted as NGOs ordered to leaveSeptember 11, 2008 I am writing to call your urgent attention to the escalating humanitarian tragedy occurring in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Army is advancing into rebel-held territory in northern Sri Lanka, continuing an intensive military onslaught without differentiating between Tamil civilians and combatants. On September 8th the Sri Lanka government ordered all aid workers to vacate this northern region and banned foreign aid into these areas. The United Nations announced that it will begin withdrawing its staff this week. The BBC reported that humanitarian aid organizations have been assisting approximately 160,000 Internally Displaced People - blocking aid to the region means these refugees will be left without access to food, water and other essential resources. Paul O'Callaghan, from the Australian Council for International Development, predicts a sharp increase in casualties as aid agencies withdraw. "This situation is likely to become a bloodbath in the next several weeks," O'Callaghan said. "Apart from the direct military conflict, we would expect that many many will die or be in extreme circumstances if humanitarian workers are not able to access this area," he said. In light of the coming crisis, I urge you to pressure the Sri Lankan government to allow aid organizations back into conflict areas. The impending bloodbath will only be prevented if the Sri Lankan government is compelled to change its policy of disregard for the lives of Tamil men, women and children. |
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