The conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Tamil Eelam) ended after almost 25 years in May 2009. The conflict resulted in large-scale multiple displacement throughout the north and east of the country. The six northeast districts (Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Jaffna) have been particularly affected by the conflict. On top of the conflict, the coastal areas of three of the districts were hit by the 2004 tsunami disaster, which created further destruction of personal property and public infrastructure, and forced more people to leave their homes.
Emergency and early recovery response
In the final phase of the conflict (September 2008 – May 2009), the whole population of the Vanni – approximately 275,000 persons – moved in phases from the conflict-zone to transit camps for Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna. As a consequence, DRC had to re-direct a major part of its operation from reconstruction and support to durable solutions for persons displaced prior to 2008 (around 300’000 people) to emergency response interventions to these newly displaced,
Due to security concerns of the government – concerns of areas of return being mined and needing time to screen the IDPs for possible links with the LTTE – IDPs were not allowed to move out of the camps. From August 2009 and accelerated in October 2009 with the start of de-mining operations by various de-mining organizations (including the Danish De-mining Group) releases from the camps took place.
As of end of April, 2010, almost 205’000 people have been released and returned to mainly Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu districts. Out of this total, about half of the people went to their place of origin, the others staying with host families or in institutions. From February 2010, following permission of the Sri Lanka authorities, DRC started emergency and early recovery activities for the returnees which includes distribution of non-food return kits, distribution of bicycles, construction of semi-permanent shelters and toilets, livelihood and protection activities.
DRC continues to promote and advocate for durable solutions for all IDPs and for freedom of movement for the IDPs remaining in the camps.
Protection of IDPs and returnees
The DRC seeks to strengthen IDP and returnee communities’ awareness of their human rights and to support the realisation of these rights. DRC facilitates training and capacity building to government, community representatives and other duty-bearers on protection related topics; facilitate civil documentation services and community mobilization; carry out IDP profiling and protection monitoring in camp, host community and returnee locations; support the coordination of humanitarian information; and provide material protection and psycho-social support to individuals at risk.
Integrated livelihood and reconstruction/rehabilitation
Although DRC’s revised strategy now encompasses relief and early recovery activities for the people still in the camps and for the returees, DRC continues to work to promote durable solutions for IDPs and returning refugees. Thus DRC supports the return and (re)-establishment of sustainable livelihoods for IDP & returnee families by using a flexible integrated assistance package of basic infrastructure, productive livelihoods support, community mobilisation and capacity development.
DDG – demining and mine education
The Danish Refugee Council is also involved in de-mining activities in Sri Lanka under the name Danish De-mining Group (DDG). The aim is to reduce the number of civilian landmine casualties and to secure the delivery of emergency aid.
Partners and donors
In Sri Lanka, DRC currently employs some 115 national staff and 8 expatriates. DRC cooperates with a wide range of partners, including the UN and other international organisations and NGOs working in the country.
Donors for DRC in Sri Lanka include Danida, European Commission, ECHO, DFID, SIDA Sweden and UNHCR.
