International Concern Mounts over Plight of Sri Lanka's War Refugees

(16 Sep 09 - RV) A top UN official is expected in Sri Lanka today to press for a probe into possible rights abuses during the final stages of the military's victory over Tamil rebels.


UN under-secretary general for political affairs, Lynn Pascoe was sent by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who has voiced concern over delays in releasing thousands of displaced Tamil civilians held in government-run camps.


The Bishop of Jaffna, Thomas Savundaranayagam, says the government is trying to release the refugees, but faces difficulties due to the vast numbers of people in the camps: