Media release
8 May 2009
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Caritas aid worker killed in Sri Lanka No Fire Zone
Caritas Australia is mourning the loss of a local staff member killed
in a shell attack this morning at Mullivaikal, Vanni in a No Fire
Zone.
“The Caritas confederacy was saddened to hear of the tragic
death of one of our own staff this morning, a driver assisting the
relief effort in Vanni”, said Caritas Australia’s CEO Jack
de Groot.
“This tragic death adds to the growing number of innocent
victims caught in the conflict”, said Caritas Australia CEO Jack
de Groot.
“We welcome the commitment today of $10 million from the
Australian Government to assist the victims of this brutal conflict.
“The continuing conflict and consequent flood of refugees is
stretching the Caritas response as an estimated 190,000 are now seeking
refuge from the conflict in government controlled camps.
“Our partners have been instrumental in enduring these
conditions to assist over 52,000 people with food and clean water and
distributing hygiene and sanitation kits in the north of Sri Lanka.
“Thirty five religious Sisters have are also delivering
counselling services to the children, women and men who have witnessed
unspeakable atrocities and acts of violence. They are offering
psychological support and assisting with reunification of families, many
who have been separated when fleeing the fighting.
“Currently US$1.30 per day per person is the cost of delivering
our assistance. When we consider the number of victims, continued
generosity on behalf of the Australian community is necessary and
urgent.
“However our aid is merely bandages on the wounds in Sri
Lanka. The international community must bring the parties to the
negotiating table. An urgent ceasefire is desperately needed. Without
this political will and action, many more innocent lives will be lost
and destroyed”, said Mr de Groot.
To support the Caritas Australia Sri Lanka Humanitarian Crisis
Appeal donate
online or call 1800 024 413.
More information Tim O’Connor 02) 8306 3400 or 0417 284 831
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