Martin: Tamil rebels using civilians as 'human shields'

Civilians are being used as human shields by rebels in war-torn areas of Sri Lanka, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said today.

The minister called for a ceasefire in hostilities between Tamil guerillas and the government to avert a humanitarian disaster.

“Large numbers of men, women and children have been subjected to indiscriminate bombardment by government forces, while there is clear evidence that Tamil guerillas have been blocking their escape and using them as human shields,” he said.

“Such blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians is indefensible and constitutes a serious breach of international humanitarian law.”

The minister called for both sides to declare a ceasefire to allow for the evacuation of the sick and wounded and to rush medical aid to civilians.

“A truce will also allow for re-engagement in a political process to achieve a lasting solution to this 25-year-old struggle,” he added.

There has been a long-running conflict between Sri Lankan government forces and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) group.