Children becoming victims of Lanka fight unacceptable: UNICEF

New Delhi, May 14 (PTI) As the ongoing conflict in Sri
Lanka continued unabated, the UNICEF Thursday said it was
"unacceptable" that children continue to be the victims of the
fight between the government forces and Tamil rebels.

"Thousands of children remain trapped due to the ongoing
conflict in Sri Lanka, putting their lives at serious risk. It
is unacceptable that children continue to be the innocent
victims of this ongoing conflict," UNICEF Executive Director
Ann M Veneman said in a statement.

The world body said children caught in the crossfire lack
adequate access to medicine, water, food and other
humanitarian relief which is critical for their well-being.

"Civilians should be allowed to move away from the
conflict zone to safe areas and maximum restraint should be
exercised by both parties, including halting the use of heavy
weapons in densely populated areas," Veneman said.

The UNICEF said with an estimated 50,000 civilians
trapped in the conflict zone -- a tiny space of just a few
square kilometres, it fears that many more children will be
killed if the current government offensive continues and the
LTTE refuses to allow civilians to leave.

"UNICEF joins the UN Secretary General in calling on both
sides to adhere to their obligations under international law,"
the statement said. PTI ACB
DEP
NNNN