OCHA reported that nearly 280,000 IDPs resided in temporary camps as of June 26, including approximately 260,000 people in Vavuniya District camps.
The GoSL requested that ICRC scale down activities in response to the changing humanitarian context. ICRC has begun discussions with GoSL authorities and is reviewing current operations, according to a July 9 ICRC press release.
According to a July 7 UNHCR report, U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps. The improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address IDP needs.
According to UNHCR participatory assessments, as of July 7, IDPs have identified overcrowded camp conditions, insufficient access to health care services, and lack of information on separated family members as key concerns. Read more ...
Showing posts with label OCHA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OCHA. Show all posts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 24
On 01 July, a team of Government officials assessed sites in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya to plan possible resettlement in the near future.
Japanese envoy for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, was in Sri Lanka this week to attend the Economic Summit. He also met with the President and senior Government officials to discuss humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
On 27 June, the first lady of Sri Lanka opened a new children's home (Siriliya Sewana) in Vavuniya for orphaned IDP children. Read more ...
Japanese envoy for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Yasushi Akashi, was in Sri Lanka this week to attend the Economic Summit. He also met with the President and senior Government officials to discuss humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
On 27 June, the first lady of Sri Lanka opened a new children's home (Siriliya Sewana) in Vavuniya for orphaned IDP children. Read more ...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 23
3,068 people have been released from temporary camps into host families and elders’ homes as of 18 Jun 2009. The majority of these people are elders, people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Read more ...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 22
3,054 people have been released from temporary camps into host families and elders’ homes as of 11 Jun 2009. The majority of these people are elders, people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Read more ...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Access To Displaced Sri Lankans Has Improved
The United Nations humanitarian wing reported today that access to camps in Vavuniya housing some of the hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced by the recently-ended conflict in Sri Lanka has improved, though some delays are still being experienced.
In addition, work on an additional camp in the area had begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps.
Last month the Government declared that its military operation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had ended, and that all internally displaced persons (IDPs) had left the conflict zone. The majority of those who fled are said to be in Vavuniya.
OCHA said that, between 27 October 2008 and 8 June, 280,812 people crossed to the Government-controlled areas from the conflict zone, including 3,194 who were registered last week.
It added that as of 8 June, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) had delivered nearly 880 metric tonnes of food to IDPs in Vavuniya. Read more ...
In addition, work on an additional camp in the area had begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps.
Last month the Government declared that its military operation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had ended, and that all internally displaced persons (IDPs) had left the conflict zone. The majority of those who fled are said to be in Vavuniya.
OCHA said that, between 27 October 2008 and 8 June, 280,812 people crossed to the Government-controlled areas from the conflict zone, including 3,194 who were registered last week.
It added that as of 8 June, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) had delivered nearly 880 metric tonnes of food to IDPs in Vavuniya. Read more ...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Access into Sri Lankan relief camps improves: UN
United Nations humanitarian wing has said that access to camps in Vavuniya housing thousands of civilians displaced by the recently ended conflict in Sri Lanka has improved, though some delays are still being experienced.
In addition, work on an additional camp in the area has begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps. Read more ...
In addition, work on an additional camp in the area has begun, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, adding that workers are clearing more areas for future camps. Read more ...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Food aid reached 280,000 people uprooted in post-conflict Sri Lanka – UN
Basic food supplies were distributed to around 280,000 people last month following the end of the conflict between Government forces and rebels in north-east Sri Lanka, the United Nations humanitarian wing announced today.
Over 2,200 megatons of food was dispersed, with supplemental food – particularly a corn soya blend – being delivered to underweight young children, as well as to pregnant and lactating women, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
For its part, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies providing shelter have built 6,500 emergency structures and over 13,000 tents to date, with more being erected as land is cleared.
OCHA reported that water and sanitation has been a huge challenge, but progress is being made, with half of the latrines needed in place and water currently being provided for 75 per cent of overall drinking and bathing needs. Read more ...
Over 2,200 megatons of food was dispersed, with supplemental food – particularly a corn soya blend – being delivered to underweight young children, as well as to pregnant and lactating women, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
For its part, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies providing shelter have built 6,500 emergency structures and over 13,000 tents to date, with more being erected as land is cleared.
OCHA reported that water and sanitation has been a huge challenge, but progress is being made, with half of the latrines needed in place and water currently being provided for 75 per cent of overall drinking and bathing needs. Read more ...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 20
Three new sites in Vavuniya have been identified by the Competent Authority (CA) to ease congestion and move IDPs from school sites in the district. Land clearing has started.
280,580 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.19) on 30 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
280,580 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.19) on 30 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 19
- The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka briefed the media on Friday, 29 May, on the humanitarian situation, achievements and challenges.
- Access for humanitarian organizations to Menik Farm has improved.
- Two new sites in Vavuniya have been identified by the Competent Authority (CA) to ease congestion and move IDPs from school sites in the district. Land clearing has started.
- On 27 May, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Read more ...
- Access for humanitarian organizations to Menik Farm has improved.
- Two new sites in Vavuniya have been identified by the Competent Authority (CA) to ease congestion and move IDPs from school sites in the district. Land clearing has started.
- On 27 May, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on assistance to Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Read more ...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 18
Discussions are ongoing between Government authorities and humanitarian organizations, to address access issues to Menik Farm in Vavuniya. Limited movements continue in zone 4 to support the erection of tents, ongoing sanitation work and food distribution.
289,915 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.17) on 25 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
289,915 persons crossed to the Government controlled areas from the conflict zone. This represents an increase of 3,194 IDPs since the last report (Sitrep No.17) on 25 May 2009. The increase is mainly due to improved, systematic registration being undertaken in the camps. Read more ...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 17
- In Vavuniya, access to Menik Farm remains restricted for humanitarian agencies. Limited movements continue in zone 4 to support the erection of tents, ongoing sanitation work and food distribution.
- In Vavuniya on 23 May, the Competent Authority (CA) put in place procedures for UN and I/NGO national staff entering the Menik Farm IDP site. Temporary ID cards will be issued for national staff entering the camp and they will be required to leave these cards at the gate and retrieve them when exiting the camp. International staff can enter the camp by showing their official IDs and will not have to leave them at the entrance. Read more ...
- In Vavuniya on 23 May, the Competent Authority (CA) put in place procedures for UN and I/NGO national staff entering the Menik Farm IDP site. Temporary ID cards will be issued for national staff entering the camp and they will be required to leave these cards at the gate and retrieve them when exiting the camp. International staff can enter the camp by showing their official IDs and will not have to leave them at the entrance. Read more ...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Clarifying the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat and Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, was invited to speak at a briefing by Sir John Holmes, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in Geneva on Tuesday. His presentation, including responses to questions, is carried in full below.
Thank you, Sir John, for your account of the current situation in Sri Lanka, and your efforts to collect funding to help resolve the problems faced by the displaced. I should note that we would have appreciated greater notice of this briefing, since it is important to make it clear that we are working in partnership. I am happy that OCHA in Sri Lanka, after some years of forgetting this, now recognises the importance of coordination with government, and working according to government plans and policies, and that from this year there is much greater attention to transparency and accountability.
You were correct to divide the problems into three sections, which need to be dealt with in different ways. Before I look at the most serious of these, the problems faced by the civilians still held by the LTTE, let me concur with the view that the problems of those who managed to flee to refuge with the government have been alleviated to a substantial degree. Though there were difficulties, especially when over 100,000 got away together, these are now much less. In particular we are grateful to UNHCR which put up tents on sites that the forces cleared by working day and night, so that everyone now has shelter, along with adequate food. Read more ...
Thank you, Sir John, for your account of the current situation in Sri Lanka, and your efforts to collect funding to help resolve the problems faced by the displaced. I should note that we would have appreciated greater notice of this briefing, since it is important to make it clear that we are working in partnership. I am happy that OCHA in Sri Lanka, after some years of forgetting this, now recognises the importance of coordination with government, and working according to government plans and policies, and that from this year there is much greater attention to transparency and accountability.
You were correct to divide the problems into three sections, which need to be dealt with in different ways. Before I look at the most serious of these, the problems faced by the civilians still held by the LTTE, let me concur with the view that the problems of those who managed to flee to refuge with the government have been alleviated to a substantial degree. Though there were difficulties, especially when over 100,000 got away together, these are now much less. In particular we are grateful to UNHCR which put up tents on sites that the forces cleared by working day and night, so that everyone now has shelter, along with adequate food. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 12
- On 13 May, the UN Security Council issued a press statement expressing its grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Sri Lanka and called for urgent action by all parties to ensure the safety of civilians.
- For the third consecutive day, a ferry chartered by the ICRC carrying 25 MT of food has been unable to evacuate patients because of continuous heavy fighting, according to the ICRC. Read more and download report ...
- For the third consecutive day, a ferry chartered by the ICRC carrying 25 MT of food has been unable to evacuate patients because of continuous heavy fighting, according to the ICRC. Read more and download report ...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 11
- On 12 May, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, expressed her concerns at the deteriorating crisis and its serious toll on children.
- The ICRC confirmed in a press release that a staff member and his mother were killed by shrapnel today in the conflict zone. A Caritas Australia staff member was killed in a shell attack in the conflict zone on 8 May.
- Cases of chicken pox in Vavuniya have reached a cumulative total of 9,842 cases as of 11 May.
- On 12 May, CDMA mobile phones were provided to 8 out of 12 IDP sites in Jaffna. Banking and postal facilities have been made available in all 12 IDP sites in this district. Read more and download report
- The ICRC confirmed in a press release that a staff member and his mother were killed by shrapnel today in the conflict zone. A Caritas Australia staff member was killed in a shell attack in the conflict zone on 8 May.
- Cases of chicken pox in Vavuniya have reached a cumulative total of 9,842 cases as of 11 May.
- On 12 May, CDMA mobile phones were provided to 8 out of 12 IDP sites in Jaffna. Banking and postal facilities have been made available in all 12 IDP sites in this district. Read more and download report
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 9
- On 11 May, an estimated 900 civilians reportedly escaped from the conflict zone in Mullaitivu, with most having reached the Omanthai crossing point.
- On 9 May, the ICRC evacuated 516 patients and caregivers from the conflict zone to Pulmoddai. On 7 and 9 May, the ICRC offloaded a total of 50 metric tons of food provided by WFP for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone, as well as some medicine.
- The Australian Government announced that it will provide AUS$ 10 million (US$ 7.6 million) in humanitarian aid for internally displaced people, and the Italian Government has allocated a contribution of 400,000 Euros (US$ 544,500) to WFP for food security initiatives. Read more and download report ...
- On 9 May, the ICRC evacuated 516 patients and caregivers from the conflict zone to Pulmoddai. On 7 and 9 May, the ICRC offloaded a total of 50 metric tons of food provided by WFP for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone, as well as some medicine.
- The Australian Government announced that it will provide AUS$ 10 million (US$ 7.6 million) in humanitarian aid for internally displaced people, and the Italian Government has allocated a contribution of 400,000 Euros (US$ 544,500) to WFP for food security initiatives. Read more and download report ...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
UN cash for the displaced people
UN agencies and international aid groups operating in the country have won direct commitments of funding of more than Rs. 8,000 million (about US $ 71.2 million) as emergency humanitarian aid for the war displaced people -- while the Government said yesterday it would enforce a 'national framework' for all organisations involved in relief and rehabilitation work.
In addition to the US $71 million committed, these organizations have also got around US $ 19 million made as uncommitted pledges since the recent large-scale displacement of civilians began in the North, according to figures compiled by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN agencies involved in the operation include the World Food Program (WFP), its refugee agency UNHCR and UNICEF. The money is to be used to provide food, shelters and sanitary facilities for the displaced people in the north. A large amount of the money for the UN agencies has come from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) while several countries, too have committed funds for these organizations, The Sunday Times learns. Read more ...
In addition to the US $71 million committed, these organizations have also got around US $ 19 million made as uncommitted pledges since the recent large-scale displacement of civilians began in the North, according to figures compiled by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN agencies involved in the operation include the World Food Program (WFP), its refugee agency UNHCR and UNICEF. The money is to be used to provide food, shelters and sanitary facilities for the displaced people in the north. A large amount of the money for the UN agencies has come from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) while several countries, too have committed funds for these organizations, The Sunday Times learns. Read more ...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sri Lanka – Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #7 (FY 2009)
From late October through May 7, approximately 196,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) moved from the contested zone into Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL)-controlled territory, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The figure includes more than 194,000 IDPs in camps in Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna, and Trincomalee districts, and approximately 1,700 IDPs in hospitals.
On May 7, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-chartered ferry delivered approximately 25 metric tons (MT) of food provided by the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), as well as medical supplies, to the contested zone and evacuated approximately 500 sick or injured IDPs and accompanying caregivers. ICRC noted that security constraints had prevented ICRC evacuations by boat since April 30, and reported heavy fighting near the medical assembly point. Since February 10, ICRC has evacuated approximately 13,000 IDPs from the contested zone. Read more and download report ...
On May 7, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)-chartered ferry delivered approximately 25 metric tons (MT) of food provided by the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), as well as medical supplies, to the contested zone and evacuated approximately 500 sick or injured IDPs and accompanying caregivers. ICRC noted that security constraints had prevented ICRC evacuations by boat since April 30, and reported heavy fighting near the medical assembly point. Since February 10, ICRC has evacuated approximately 13,000 IDPs from the contested zone. Read more and download report ...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 8
- An ICRC chartered ferry delivered 25 metric tons of WFP food and some medicine to Mullavaikkal in the conflict zone on 7 May 2009. The ICRC ferry was also used to evacuate 495 people from the area. For seven days prior to this operation security constraints had prevented the ICRC from reaching the conflict zone.
- UNHCR was engaged in a two day exercise to allocate 300 emergency shelter to Persons with Specific Needs (PWSN) close to medical and water and sanitation facilities in Menik Farm Zone 2.
- ICRC will start distributing food and NFI packs donated by the Government of India for 20,000 displaced families in Menik Farm.
- On 6 May, MSF France started the construction of a field hospital in the Menik Farm IDP site, following authorization by the Ministry of Health. Read more and download report ...
- UNHCR was engaged in a two day exercise to allocate 300 emergency shelter to Persons with Specific Needs (PWSN) close to medical and water and sanitation facilities in Menik Farm Zone 2.
- ICRC will start distributing food and NFI packs donated by the Government of India for 20,000 displaced families in Menik Farm.
- On 6 May, MSF France started the construction of a field hospital in the Menik Farm IDP site, following authorization by the Ministry of Health. Read more and download report ...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sri Lanka’s displaced now numbers over 192,000, UN reports
The United Nations humanitarian wing said today that over 192,000 people have fled the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, where clashes continue between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Although the number of registered internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased, it is not due to new arrivals, and there are still no reports of more people in transit for days, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted.
OCHA estimates that around 50,000 people remain trapped in the conflict zone, a shrinking pocket of land on the north-east coastline, and that they are in dire need of food aid and medical supplies. Read more ...
Although the number of registered internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased, it is not due to new arrivals, and there are still no reports of more people in transit for days, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted.
OCHA estimates that around 50,000 people remain trapped in the conflict zone, a shrinking pocket of land on the north-east coastline, and that they are in dire need of food aid and medical supplies. Read more ...
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