Australia has accused the Sri Lankan Government of grossly violating humanitarian law on a regular basis, referring to daily abductions and extra-judicial killings. Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has toughened Australia's criticism of the Sri Lankan Government. In a statement, Mr Downer said that all parties to the conflict between the Government and Tamil Tigers are violating international humanitarian law on a regular basis.

He said abductions and extra-judicial killings occur daily. Mr Downer pointed to intensifying conflict in Sri Lanka, and termed it as an environment of impunity surrounding human rights violations.

His statement drew no distinction between the actions of the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan Government. Mr Downer also said Australia will give an extra $US4.1 million to help 400,000 people displaced by the conflict.