[child-rights] Sri Lanka: Children are victims of the conflict

COLOMBO/NEW YORK/ GENEVA, 15 August 2006 -- The bombing on Monday of a
Vallepuram compound in Mullaitivu district that reportedly killed dozens
of girls and wounded many more is a shocking result of the rising violence
in Sri Lanka, UNICEF, said today.

"These children are innocent victims of violence," said Ann M. Veneman,
UNICEF Executive Director. "We call on all parties to respect
international humanitarian law and ensure children and the places where
they live, study and play are protected from harm."

According to press reports, the compound in Vallipunam in the northern
part of the country was bombed, reportedly killing as many as 40
adolescent girls. Some 100 children were wounded, many critically. Girls
from various schools in the districts of Mullaituvu and Kilinochchi were
staying overnight at the compound, attending a two-day course in
first-aid.

UNICEF staff from a nearby office immediately visited the compound to
assess the situation and provide counseling services to those in need.

This latest incident comes amidst escalating hostilities in Sri Lanka in
recent weeks, where tens of thousands of children were displaced from
their homes. Hundreds of children have been injured, lost family members,
and live in constant fear of the violence and continuous shelling of their
communities.

UNICEF Press release