Sri Lanka: UNHCR concern in Thenmaracchi area

Briefing notes

Sri Lanka: UNHCR concern in Thenmaracchi area

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

30 May 2000

UNHCR is extremely concerned about the plight of thousands of people caught in fighting in the Thenmaracchi area of the Jaffna peninsula. More than 8,700 people have left Thenmaracchi in the past week. The people say that the majority of the residents would move out immediately if it were safe to do so. UNHCR continues to intervene with the Sri Lankan military to ensure free and safe movement out of the conflict zones.