Children trapped in Sri Lanka’s conflict

By pearlaction | February 23, 2009 |

[UNICEF] Sennappu had a split second, a moment, literally a heartbeat to throw her body around her 18-month-old daughter before the bomb landed. Her reactions were enough time to save the life of her baby girl. Sennappu was killed instantly. As Sri Lanka’s conflict has grown in intensity, so too has the number of civilians…

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UN chief in S Lanka civilian plea

By pearlaction | February 19, 2009 |

[BBC] Visiting top UN humanitarian official John Holmes has urged Sri Lanka’s army and the Tamil Tigers to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties. The government says the Tigers are using human shields, but the rebels say civilians are seeking their protection. This is Mr Holmes’s first visit since 2007 when his comment that…

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U.N. experts decry ‘climate of fear’ in Sri Lanka

By pearlaction | February 9, 2009 |

[Reuters] Sri Lanka’s journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders are living in fear and need better protection from violence, United Nations investigators said on Monday. In a joint statement, 10 U.N. experts called on the government to act quickly to halt repressive practices. “The fear of reprisals against victims and witnesses, together with a lack…

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Premier Hopes for Peaceful Resolution in Sri Lanka

By pearlaction | February 9, 2009 |

[Government of Ontario] The Ontario government is deeply concerned about the current conflict in Sri Lanka. Ontario is committed to the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights, where all persons are valued and treated with dignity.”My heart goes out to Ontarians who are worried about friends and family members in Sri Lanka during this…

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