UN accuses Sri Lanka of blocking access to civilians

THE United Nations has accused the Sri Lankan authorities of blocking access to civilians trapped in the former war zone or who have fled to camps for displaced people.

In the latest sign of concern at the government’s treatment of ethnic Tamils and other civilians, the UN said it had no information on the numbers of sick or wounded still in the conflict zone.

“We need to have total access, without the least let or hindrance, for the UN, for NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and for the Red Cross,” said the UN’s Elisabeth Byrs.