UNICEF states...

The recent accusations against UNICEF and its staff could seriously compromise their ability to carry-out our work, and could endanger their safety and security, UNICEF Sri Lanka said yesterday.

UNICEF in a release added: “We recognise the paramount importance of transparent accountability to the Government and people of Sri Lanka in every aspect of our work, including matters of finance and staffing.

All UN staff are recruited under terms of employment in which they are responsible to the UN Secretary-General and the principles of the United Nations.

They are also honour-bound to work with complete neutrality and to receive no instruction from any third party. In all our work, we rely on the programme of cooperation signed with the government, and a partnership we have built with them over four decades.

UNICEF has spent around $180 million in the past five years in all parts of Sri Lanka, addressing the most urgent needs of children in areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, and nutrition.

We firmly believe that UNICEF and its staff will continue to enjoy the confidence of the Government, and a majority of the people of Sri Lanka.”