Statement by UNICEF Executive Director, Ann. M Veneman:

“It is reported that access to some camps for internally displaced persons within Sri Lanka has become restricted. Full and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured so that children and women can receive the assistance they so desperately need.

“People are arriving into camps sick, malnourished and some with untended wounds of war. By the end of this week, the number of internally displaced people in camps is expected to have grown to more than a quarter of a million people since late April. This massive influx of people, who have suffered as a result of conflict and deprivation, will put an even greater strain on the health, sanitation, and water systems in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

“UNICEF is committed to working with partners to provide those in the camps with...

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