United Nations Radio

The UN refuge agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over the safety of thousands of families fleeing fierce fighting in the north of Sri Lanka, this as the conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) reaches new heights.

Spokesman Ron Redmond says more than 12,000 families are reported to have been displaced in July alone:

"Amid intensified fighting in the region we call on both parties to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of those affected to allow freedom of movement for those seeking safety from the ongoing operations and to ensure that the internally displaced are neither targeted nor located near military targets."

UNHCR says supplies of food, shelter materials, water and sanitation equipment, and fuel for the transportation of civilians are running dangerously low.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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