Civilians trapped in Wanni are in critical condition - ICRC

Civilians trapped in Wanni are in critical condition - ICRC [Saturday February 07 2009 04:39:17 AM GMT] International Committee of the Red Cross said yesterday, Vanni people trapped with a small area are continuing to move from place to place seeking safety and security, the adding that these people were facing a critical situation. ICRC spokeswoman Sarasi Wijeratna said the patients who had been moved out from the Puthukudyirruppu hospital were now housed at a community center in Puthumuttalam in Mullaitivu and were being looked after by Health Ministry staff with the assistance of the ICRC. "There are 300 patients at this location. The health ministry staff are doing a good job considering the limited resources they have in the area. Twenty ICRC staff are also there. There is concern over the lack of drinking water," Ms. Wijeratne stated to a news agency.

She reiterated the need to ensure safe passage for the patients as well as humanitarian supplies between government and Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam controlled areas and said no supplies had reached uncontrolled areas since last week.

The ICRC called on both parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and in particular, to spare medical facilities and health activities in all circumstances. "Fighting between government forces and the LTTE continues unabated with the vast majority of civilians displaced and confined to an area the size of which is diminishing day by day. People are moving in search of a less exposed locations and greater safety," the ICRC said.
The ICRC continues to remain in contact with both parties and reminds them of their obligation to spare civilians, the wounded and sick, medical personnel and facilities, and of their obligation to balance military imperatives with humanitarian requirements.

In a statement earlier this week the ICRC said the need to bring humanitarian aid into the Wanni was becoming critical because of the deteriorating situation on the ground and this need was all the more acute as the majority of the people were displaced and have become completely dependent on aid coming from outside the conflict zone.

"The disruption of aid convoys has prevented much-needed food, shelter and medical supplies from reaching the people who are trapped there," the ICRC said.