10 August 2006

Dear Editor,

We are deeply concerned by the impact that the ongoing violence in Lebanon is having on young people.

Over the last three weeks the conflict has claimed the lives of some 1000 Lebanese and around 40 Israeli civilians. The United Nations Children's' Fund have estimated that a third of the casualties are children.

Children make up nearly half of over 1 million Lebanese - more than a quarter of the population - who have been displaced by the conflict and are now at risk from disease and malnutrition.

We write to add our voice to the growing demand that our government calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Regrettably, the National Union of Students National Executive has chosen not to do so, instead adopting the same policy as George Bush and Tony Blair who have given Israel a green light to continue its attacks.

Ruqayyah Collector, NUS Black Students' Officer

George Woods, NUS NEC (pers caps)

Lancaster University Students Union

Rachel Earlington, Communications Officer, University of Bradford

Students' Union

Jennifer Huseman, President, Goldsmiths Students' Union

Rob Owen, General Secretary, University of Manchester Students Union

Lisa King, President, Sheffield Hallam Students' Union

Salima Lanquay, President, Westminster University Students Union

Claire Solomon, Co-President, School of Oriental and African Studies Students Union

Francisco Esteves, Activities and Services Officer, Liverpool Guild of Students (pers caps)

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