5 January 2006 - Two years after the Tsunami, the conflict in Sri Lanka has led to a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Five months after the massacre of its 17 members of staff, the truth of what happened is still not known. Action Against Hunger would like that the work of humanitarian actors can continue to respond to the increasing needs of the populations.

Saturday marks the commemoration of the discovery of the bodies of 17 of Action Against Hunger’s humanitarian workers at their base in Muttur. To commemorate this occasion, Denis Metzger, Action Against Hunger –France’s President is visiting Sri Lanka to meet with authorities and to highlight the organisation’s commitment.

Over the past weeks, there has been some progress with the investigation. Sri Lanka’s President set up a commission to investigate the principal human rights violations committed in the country. The commission will be made up of eight Sri Lankan representatives and twelve international experts. Action Against Hunger welcomed the European Union’s nomination of Bernard Kouchner as one of the twelve international experts. B. Kouchner’s experience will meet the requirements in terms of transparency and independence needed for the commission to conduct the inquiry properly. As such, adherence to the following principles is desirable: 1) to respect the independence and freedom of action of the Sri Lankan members of the commission, 2) to ensure the protection of witnesses, 3) to respect the freedom of action and expression of the international observers.

Beyond the Muttur massacre, the approach has to promote International Humanitarian Law and to protect the operating capacity of aid organisations. The resumption of conflict between the Tigers and the government has plunged populations living in the North and East of the country into a very vulnerable position. 75,000 people have been displaced in the region of Batticaloa. In line with its mandate, Action Against Hunger resumed its activities in the area but insecurity continues to hamper the work of humanitarian organisations.

Two years after the Tsunami, those formerly affected by the disaster are now vulnerable as a result of renewed conflict. Action Against Hunger would like that assistance can effectively be provided to these populations.

-ENDS-

4 December 2006: Four months after the Muttur Masacre Action Against Hunger resumes its operations in the country (Read more...)

3 November 2006: Sri Lanka - Three months after the massacre, Action Against Hunger remains mobilised (Read more...)

17 October 2006: Bodies of 15 Action Against Hunger staff to be exhumed (Read more)

6 October 2006: International Statement: Call for Access to Populations Trapped by War And Respect of Humanitarian Aid Workers in Sri Lanka (Read more)

30 August 2006: ACF International Network takes note of SLMM declarations (Read more)

10 August 2006: ACF International Network mourns and demands full inquiry into Muttur "war crime" (Read more)

8 August 2006: All of Action Against Hunger's (ACFIN) national employees from Sri Lanka were killed in Muttur (Read more)

7 August 2006: 15 of Action Against Hunger's (ACFIN) national employees from Sri Lanka were killed in Muttur (Read more)

For more information on our programmes in Sri Lanka, click here.

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