Geneva, Colombo (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply concerned about the growing number of civilian casualties, including children, resulting from the deteriorating security situation across Sri Lanka.

Since the beginning of this year, the ICRC has observed an increase in the number of civilians killed or injured in targeted and/or indiscriminate attacks.

In the first six weeks of 2008, more than 180 civilians were reported killed and almost 270 injured in a series of attacks on civilian buses, railway stations and individuals in Colombo, Dambula, Kebhitigollewa, Madhu, Okkampitiya and Welli Oya.

"The number of civilians affected by the violence throughout the country, either by being directly targeted or as bystanders, has reached appalling levels," says Toon Vandenhove, head of the organization's delegation in Colombo.

"Sadly, many of the victims have been children on their way to or from school." While international humanitarian law does not prohibit the targeting of persons taking direct part in hostilities, attacks against those not directly involved in the fighting are prohibited without exception and constant care must be taken to spare the civilian population and civilian objects.

As a humanitarian organization with a mandate to protect and assist persons affected by armed conflict, the ICRC strongly condemns any attacks on civilians and urgently calls on all concerned to put a stop to violence against civilians.

The ICRC has been working in Sri Lanka since 1989.

It activities include acting as a neutral intermediary between the parties to the conflict, protecting and assisting the civilian population, visiting security detainees, transferring the remains of fallen fighters and promoting international humanitarian law.

For further information, please contact:
Claudia McGoldrick, ICRC Geneva, tel : +41 22 730 2063 or +41 79 217 3216
Aleksandra Matijevic, ICRC Colombo , tel : + 94 11 250 33 46 or + 94 777 289 682
Sarasi Wijeratne, ICRC Colombo, tel : + 94 11 250 33 46 or + 94 773 158 844

See also ICRC media contacts

This article on www.icrc.org