UNICEF concerned about LTTE children soldiers

New York, Feb 19: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over LTTE recruiting children aged around 14 years as soldiers for the ongoing war between the LTTE and Sri Lanka. UNICEF has asked the two parties to find an orderly and humane solution so that civilians particularly children are spared bloodshed.

More than 6,000 cases of children being recruited as LTTE soldiers have been recorded between 2003 and end of the last year. "These children are facing immediate danger and lives are at great risk," Philippe Duamelle said, adding that their recruitment is 'intolerable'. "These soldiers are physically abused, and instead of hope, fear defines their childhood," he said.

The ongoing war has trapped around 2,50,000 civilians in Sri Lanka's northern areas.

OneIndia News