UNHCR launches IDP return support in Northern Sri Lanka

UNHCR launches IDP return support in Northern Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Wednesday 29 April 2009

As thousands of new internally displaced persons (IDPs) arrive in new IDP camps in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Trincomalee, the first Government organised return movement to Musali in Mannar district marks the start of IDP return in Northern Sri Lanka.

Today some 411 IDPs returned to Saveriyarpuram village in Musali DS division. They were displaced about two years ago and have since lived in camps and with host families in Mannar district.

For this first IDP return phase in Northern Sri Lanka, some 3,000 IDPs have registered to return to 15 villages in Musali DS division over the coming weeks.

This is the first time in years that IDPs are able to return home in Mannar district, which was marked by the frontline between Government and LTTE positions for a long time.

“UNHCR welcomes this development, the return movement is a small but important starting point.” said UNHCR Representative Amin Awad. “We hope that IDP return to other areas in Northern Sri Lanka will soon also be possible” he added.

UNHCR IDP return support operations in Mannar started over the past weeks, when field monitoring teams spoke with the IDPs about their concerns regarding return.

UNHCR monitored the go&see visit for IDP representatives to Saveriyarpuram on 23 April, and verified that humanitarian mine clearance in Saveriyarpuram village has been completed. IDPs said that they are keen to return, but were worried about their houses and how to make a living once back home.

The UNHCR return package provided to each family at the transit site includes a tarpaulin kit to construct a tent-shape emergency return shelter for the days after the return, and jungle clearing tools.

Over the coming days UNHCR will distribute household items inside the return area, including mosquito nets, mats, water containers and hurricane lamps.

As a major intervention to help returnees with reintegration, UNHCR will repair up to 320 houses in Musali DS division.

Currently large areas of Northern Sri Lanka remain entirely displaced, including areas of Mannar district, Northern Vavuniya district, areas in Jaffna district and the entire districts of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi.

Good practices in IDP return in other parts of Sri Lanka included certified mine clearance before return, the organisation of go&see visits for IDP representatives and a return process in safety and dignity.

In the context of return to Musali, the Government has applied these practices, provided transport for returnees, and has foreseen a return assistance package including food and cooking utensils.

About 171,000 IDPs have poured out of the conflict zone during the last 10 days and are accommodated in 38 sites in four districts of the North and East.

UNHCR and partners have mounted a massive humanitarian operation in support of the Government to assist these IDPs.

UNHCR calls on the international community to provide funds for its operations in Sri Lanka. UNHCR’s budget currently stands at $23,550,434. Approximately 30% percent of this amount has been funded so far.