Unicef to work with Tigers to tackle child soldiers

The executive director of Unicef, Ann Veneman, told reporters she discussed the question of underage combatants in rebel-held areas.

"We had a good discussion on this issue...," Veneman said after talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political wing leader S. P. Thamilselvan. "We have agreed we will work together to address the issue."

Unicef has repeatedly asked the LTTE to give up the practice of recruiting boys and girls below the age of 18 years.

Last month, Unicef said the Tigers had recruited fewer child soldiers this year amid mounting international condemnation of enlisting underage combatants.

The LTTE's recruitment pattern showed a decline in the past three years as rights groups and governments urged them to totally abandon the practice, child rights activists said.