The publication is an overview of the status of women and children affected by the armed conflict, and the conditions they are forced to live in as a result of the war. The study explores problems that they encounter specific to areas such as Jaffna, the Wanni, the Eastern province and it examines issue-specific problems on health, nutrition, water, sanitation and education. In addition, the study identifies the government policies that are already in place, the UNICEF assistance, the aid provided by other UN organizations and NGOs operating to improve the situation of women and children in the country. The study also examines and recommends courses of action to alleviate the problems encountered by the vulnerable groups who have become victims of the armed conflict.