War and women: Meeting the needs of Sri Lanka's displaced people

One of the harshest realities for women fleeing the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka is that when they finally reach a safe haven, it has no adequate toilet facilities for them. As a second wave of civilians seeks refuge in quickly constructed camps for displaced people, female residents suffer most.

Water and sanitation are still in critically short supply at the camps in Vavuniya, just outside the conflict zone – a situation that disproportionately affects women and girls. Women report that the shortage of latrines is hardest on them. Men and children can use the bush, but women have to wait in line to use trench toilets that carry a stench. CARE is urgently appealing to donors to provide the funds necessary to install additional sanitary facilities. Read more ...