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UNICEF and LTTE decide to continue to work together

In depth discussion was held about addressing the needs and care of the children in the NorthEast affected by war. UNCEF particularly appreciated the cooperation extended by LTTE in dealing with the under-age youths joining LTTE. They expressed their satisfaction in the sharp decline in under-age youths joining LTTE.

LTTE brought up the matter of the contradictions in the UN instruments in dealing with the age of youths joining a military force. UN delegates accepted that there are such contradictions which need to be addressed.

LTTE also pointed out to UNICEF that it has allowed its reports on this issue to be used as a political tool. This, the LTTE said is inappropriate, because children’s issues should not be converted into a political football but must be handled for the benefit of the children.

There was also discussion about further improvements in the modalities for assisting under-age youths who have been released from LTTE. The inadequacies in the follow-up were high lighted by the fact that many youths wanted to re-join LTTE.

LTTE also raised its concern for the released under-age youths from GoSL controlled areas. In this regard it pointed out the recent terror unleashed in GoSL controlled areas by the SLA and its paramilitaries. In particular, the burning to death of a three old baby together with its mother in Pesalai in Mannar on 23 December 2005 and the shooting to death of a 15 year old boy in front of his entire family in Jaffna on 28 December 2005 were quoted by the LTTE. The question of the security of the youths released into this terror atmosphere was discussed.

The newly created three member Child Protection Unit, appointed by the LTTE Peace Secretariat, will continue to be in constant communication with UNICEF to ensure the changes needed are put in place.

The meeting was attended on the LTTE side by Mr Puleedevan (Secretary General of LTTE Peace Secretariat), Mr Thiagaraja (UN and INGI Coordinator), Mr Sudar (Child Rights Lawyer from Department of Justice), Mr Ilanthirayan (LTTE Peace Secretariat-Child Protection Unit) and Ms Geetha (LTTE Peace Secretariat-Child Protection Unit & Gender Committee). On the UNICEF side the meeting was attended by MsPenny Brune (Head of Zone Office, Kilinochchi), Mr William Kollie (Child Protection Officer, Colombo), and Ms Stina Carrlson (Child Protection Officer, Kilinochchi)

12 February 2006

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