LTTE urged to stop re-recruiting children

by Bandula Jayasekara

The International coalition to stop the use of child soldiers today urged the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to end confusion and state clearly that it will not re-recruit any of the children released in recent weeks.

The organization urged the LTTE to give clear instructions to Regional and local commanders of the LTTE not to accept any children back into the ranks. The Coalition also said that no former soldier, whatever his or her age, should be forced to rejoin the LTTE.

The Coalition said, despite pledges to end the use of child soldiers, it had received numerous reports that vans have been circulating in the Batticaloa-Amparai districts and announcing over loud speakers that all former cadres must register for re-recruitment. Coalition sources say that many former child soldiers are living in fear of re-recruitment. They and their families also fear reprisals if they try to avoid returning to the LTTE.

Over the last two weeks, several hundred child soldiers have left the LTTE following the disbanding of the Eastern regional command, partly as a result of increased pressure by parents demanding the return of their children. The recently demobilized children were stationed in the east, but hundreds, possibly thousands more children remain in the north, where the LTTE leadership is based.

The Coalition also expressed its deep concern over the deaths of two girl soldiers, confirmed by UNICEF on April 16. The deaths occurred during fighting between the LTTE northern and eastern commands in the Vaharai area on April 9 and 10. Reports indicate that children were used

to fight on both sides. "Their families, and those of all child soldiers in Sri Lanka, have our support and sympathy", said Casey Kelso. "Immediate measures must be taken to ensure that children are never again deployed in hostilities". The Coalition also urged the government to provide clear assurances that none of the released children, or those working to assist them, will be subjected to any form of harassment by government forces, particularly if the conflict resumes at any point. "The government’s role is to provide protection and assistance for the children who have returned to their families", said the Coalition.