UNICEF today witnessed the release of 13 children by the LTTE in the eastern district of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Andrea James, Head of UNICEF Batticaloa, who was present at the release said, “These thirteen children can now go back to their families, back to their schools and back to a normal childhood. UNICEF staff here in Batticaloa will follow up to ensure each child’s safe return home to their families”.

Today’s release includes the release of the four children that UNICEF verified were recruited in Valachchenai on 4 October 2003. These children, amongst many others, have been the focus of efforts to end underage recruitment under the Action Plan for Children Affected by War.

“UNICEF has consistently and strongly advocated for an end to child recruitment and today’s release marks a welcome step under the Action Plan that will see 13 children returning to their homes. We still have 383 unresolved reported cases of recruitment in Batticaloa and UNICEF will continue its advocacy on behalf of these children until they are all home with their families,” James emphasized. “For the Action Plan to be a success, all new recruitment of children has to stop.” The Action Plan for Children Affected by War signed by the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE provides a mechanism for the release and reintegration of child soldiers and for an end to underage recruitment.