DfID response to ICRC announcement on aid access to Sri Lanka

In response to the ICRC announcement that it is unable to evacuate war wounded to safety or provide aid to the 50,000 civilians trapped in the conflict zone of Sri Lanka,

Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, said:

"I am utterly appalled that the ICRC is no longer able to continue its operations in northern Sri Lanka.

"Since September last year, the ICRC has been the only humanitarian agency allowed to work in the conflict zone, and now even this lifeline has been denied to more than 50,000 people.

"Over the last four months alone, the ICRC has evacuated by ship over 14,000 sick and wounded people. Denying this life-saving evacuation and medical treatment is a fundamental violation of International Humanitarian Law.

"This deplorable situation rightly brings international condemnation of both parties to the conflict. There is simply no justification for allowing such needless suffering.

"The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE must immediately guarantee safe access to the ICRC to restart their life-saving work."

Hague calls for immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka

William Hague said he is "deeply concerned" about the humanitarian crisis in northern Sri Lanka and has called for an immediate ceasefire between the Government and the LTTE (the Tamil Tigers).

He warned that innocent civilians have been trapped by the fighting, and stressed that both parties must act to prevent further suffering.

"We call for an immediate ceasefire on both sides to allow the civilians to leave the conflict area, to be monitored by international observers including the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross."

William called on the Sri Lankan Government to help alleviate the humanitarian situation by allowing aid to reach those who so need it and ensuring international humanitarian standards are fully respected in the camps for displaced people.

And he stressed, "The only way forward is a negotiated settlement that satisfies the concerns and legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans and preserves democracy in the country."