Colombo, 3 December 2008: The UN
Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) in Sri Lanka, Mr Neil Buhne, condemns the
murder of a humanitarian worker in Batticaloa, eastern Sri Lanka last week.
Mr A. Vigneswaran is the third employee of the Norwegian Refugee Council
to have been murdered or disappeared. It is noted the Government has already
begun an investigation into this murder and we call upon the authorities
to vigorously pursue the culprits. For humanitarian workers to meet their
responsibilities fully they must be able to work without fear. A successful
investigation resulting in the killer being brought to account, would not
only bring solace to Mr. Vigneswaran's family and to his colleagues, it
would reduce this fear, and create a better environment for the more effective
implementation of humanitarian programmes in Batticaloa benefitting tens
of thousands of people. The HC conveys his condolences to the family of
Mr A. Vigneswaran on behalf of the United Nations.
End/.
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