ICRC distributes essential items among detainees

In March, more than 730 detainees in the north and the east received clothing, toilet and recreational items distributed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The detainees are being held in connection with enquiries relating to the conflict in the north. The goods were distributed with the co-operation of both government officials and the LTTE, the ICRC said in its latest monthly bulletin.

One purpose of the ICRC visits was to observe conditions at the detention camps, the ICRC said. Working with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, the ICRC tries to ensure that families separated by the conflict continue to maintain contact with family members.

In March, more than 400 messages were received from family members, and 230 of these were conveyed to the relevant persons. The ICRC continues to monitor violations of international humanitarian law affecting civilians across the country, the bulletin said.

The ICRC has noted that hospitals in the north and east are seriously short-staffed and unable to care for both the regular patients and the war casualties. Hospitals and clinics in the Wanni are in constant need of basic medicines, including vaccines, antibiotics and Paracetamol, the ICRC said.