The following is a sample letter to the Secretary General of the LTTE’s Peace Secretariat regarding the LTTE’s recruitment and use of child soldiers. Use it to create your own letter to send to Mr. Puleedevan at puleeltte@yahoo.co.uk or puleeltte@hotmail.com
S. PuleedevanSecretary General
LTTE Peace Secretariat
Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
Dear Mr. Puleedevan,
I am very concerned about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s recruitment and use of children as soldiers in northeastern Sri Lanka. UNICEF and independent non-governmental organizations have reported that the LTTE has recruited more than 3,500 children since the ceasefire ended active fighting in 2002. Credible reports indicate that many of these children have been recruited through intimidation or force.
The LTTE’s recruitment and use of child soldiers is a serious violation of international law which is increasingly condemned by the international community. The LTTE is also violating its own pledges to end this practice.
I’m writing to urge the LTTE to live up to its commitments and immediately end all recruitment of children under the age of eighteen. The LTTE should also release all children currently serving in its forces. UNICEF and its partners are ready to help reunify these children with their families and ensure they receive an education or vocational training.
Sincerely yours,
Related Material
Living in Fear: Child Soldiers and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka
Report, November 11, 2004
Living in Fear: Child Soldiers and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka
Press Release, November 11, 2004
Child Soldiers Home Page
Web Site
Testimonies from "Living in Fear: Child Soldiers and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka"
Testimony, November 11, 2004
Summary in Tamil
Report, November 11, 2004
Fact Sheet
Special Focus