Press release
Twenty Years On, the Killing of 17 Humanitarian Workers Remains Unpunished: Action Against Hunger Calls for a New Investigation
Twenty years ago, on August 4, 2006, 17 staff members of Action Against Hunger, engaged in delivering humanitarian aid, were executed in our office in Muttur, Sri Lanka. They were wearing T-shirts and vests clearly identifying them as humanitarian workers. Despite compelling evidence pointing to the likely responsibility of Sri Lankan security forces, justice has still not been served.
Today, Action Against Hunger calls on the Sri Lankan government to open a new investigation into this case and to end decades of impunity. This investigation must be conducted in accordance with international procedures, particularly regarding transparency and witness protection. We call on the international community to support this request and to do everything possible to ensure that the truth about this crime is brought to light.
The Muttur massacre remains one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out against humanitarian workers. Action Against Hunger, along with several international bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and NGOs, have repeatedly concluded that this attack was likely committed by Sri Lankan security forces and that it was subject to attempts of concealment by the authorities.
“Twenty years on, we continue to fight for justice for the brutal murder of our 17 colleagues, who were killed while delivering vital aid. Many were at the beginning of their careers, and their families, like our colleagues, cannot accept that the perpetrators have not been prosecuted. This is essential for everyone to be able to rebuild,” said Perrine Benoist, Co-Director of Action Against Hunger France.
Families Still Waiting for Justice
For two decades, the victims’ relatives have lived with the pain of their loss and the absence of justice. One of them shared with Action Against Hunger:
“Even after 20 years, the pain of what happened is still present in my heart. I miss my brother. Those responsible must be punished.”
Another added: “This loss will make me suffer today and until the end of my days.”
Rising Attacks Against Humanitarian Workers
Humanitarian workers are protected under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and must never be targeted. Yet attacks against them are increasing worldwide. Over the past three years, more than 1,000 humanitarian workers have been killed. In crisis situations, humanitarians are on the front line: they provide essential assistance and save lives. Their work must be protected to ensure the delivery of life-saving aid to populations living in crisis zones.
“The responses to this crime over the decades have remained insufficient and have had profound repercussions on the protection of humanitarian workers worldwide. They send a signal that such attacks can go unpunished. Today, we are witnessing a rise in attacks against humanitarians on an unprecedented scale. It is imperative that Sri Lankan authorities provide answers and that justice is served,” added Perrine Benoist.
You can read Action Against Hunger’s letter calling for a new investigation here .
