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 Un. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Un. Show all posts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
UN Press conference on Sri Lanka, 26 May 2009
Two top United Nations officials briefed correspondents at Headquarters today on the Secretary-General's recent trip to Sri Lanka and the steps that the United Nations will be taking to aid the country's reconstruction and reconciliation.
John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who accompanied the Secretary-General on his weekend visit to a major camp for displaced persons in Sri Lanka, briefed reporters via telephone, while B. Lynn Pasco, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, spoke at Headquarters. Read more ...
John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who accompanied the Secretary-General on his weekend visit to a major camp for displaced persons in Sri Lanka, briefed reporters via telephone, while B. Lynn Pasco, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, spoke at Headquarters. Read more ...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
West should not be misled by false propaganda - Health Minister
Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, that the Tamil community living in Europe enjoying maximum benefits and facilities as political refugees, was carrying out demonstrations to lobby western media and other communities to escape returning to Sri Lanka.
The Minister met with the Secretary General (SG) at his Geneva Office on Tuesday (19). He informed the SG that opinion makers and leaders of the west should not be misled by the propaganda. 54 percent of the Tamil people live outside the North and East in harmony with Sinhalese and other communities.
De Silva said health care centres had been set up for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in welfare camps in the Wanni. More than two hundred medical officers and five hundred nurses and a large number of paramedics were caring for the sick and injured. The Ministries of Nation Building, Resettlement, Disaster Management and Human Rights in collaboration with many international organisations were providing the IDPs with humanitarian assistance. Read more ...
The Minister met with the Secretary General (SG) at his Geneva Office on Tuesday (19). He informed the SG that opinion makers and leaders of the west should not be misled by the propaganda. 54 percent of the Tamil people live outside the North and East in harmony with Sinhalese and other communities.
De Silva said health care centres had been set up for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in welfare camps in the Wanni. More than two hundred medical officers and five hundred nurses and a large number of paramedics were caring for the sick and injured. The Ministries of Nation Building, Resettlement, Disaster Management and Human Rights in collaboration with many international organisations were providing the IDPs with humanitarian assistance. Read more ...
Friday, May 15, 2009
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 ...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Korea grants $ 500,000 for IDPs
The Korean Embassy in Colombo yesterday announced that responding to the UN appeals and the Sri Lankan Government’s requests, the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to grant US$ 500,000 to Sri Lanka through the World Food Programme.
The aid offered by the Korean Government is to meet the immediate needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in conflict-afflicted areas of North and East of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
The aid offered by the Korean Government is to meet the immediate needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in conflict-afflicted areas of North and East of Sri Lanka. Read more ...
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: WHO Situation Report, 07 May 2009
- 115,735 people have escaped from the LTTE controlled areas during 20th to 03rdMay.
- The government troops have intensified operations in the "No fire zone", with an estimated number of 15,000 -20,000 civilians still trapped
- Approximately 178,000 IDPs are in the government controlled areas in Vavuniya, and Trincomalee and 11,000 in Jaffna district. UN agencies INGOs and NGOs assist government to provide basic facilities like shelter, food, health care, psycho social services, and water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Majority of IDPs are located in Chettikulam area in 5 Zones. Read more and download report
- The government troops have intensified operations in the "No fire zone", with an estimated number of 15,000 -20,000 civilians still trapped
- Approximately 178,000 IDPs are in the government controlled areas in Vavuniya, and Trincomalee and 11,000 in Jaffna district. UN agencies INGOs and NGOs assist government to provide basic facilities like shelter, food, health care, psycho social services, and water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Majority of IDPs are located in Chettikulam area in 5 Zones. Read more and download report
Friday, May 8, 2009
UNICEF building learning centers for IDP children in Sri Lanka
United Nations' children agency, UNICEF is building learning centers for the children in the camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Northern Sri Lanka.
The UN spokesman for the Secretary-General said at the press briefing today, that two centers known as Temporary Learning Space (TLS) are being built by the UNICEF. One center will be for 550 children from one IDP camp and the other is for 600 children from a separate camp.
According to the UN, the UNICEF and non-governmental organizations will provide water, sanitation and hygiene services for the TLS, as well as stationery, text books and uniforms, while the World Food Programme will provide mid morning meals. Read more ...
The UN spokesman for the Secretary-General said at the press briefing today, that two centers known as Temporary Learning Space (TLS) are being built by the UNICEF. One center will be for 550 children from one IDP camp and the other is for 600 children from a separate camp.
According to the UN, the UNICEF and non-governmental organizations will provide water, sanitation and hygiene services for the TLS, as well as stationery, text books and uniforms, while the World Food Programme will provide mid morning meals. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 7
- The Ministry of Defence granted permission to 12 UN national staff to leave IDP sites in Vavuniya. A decision is pending as to whether the dependents of UN staff and other humanitarian workers would also be allowed to leave the camps.
- In a conversation between the UN Secretary General (SG) and President Rajapaksa on 05 May 2009, the SG called again for a humanitarian pause in the fighting in order to bring humanitarian aid into the conflict zone and to allow the UN to assess the situation properly.
- The SG again urged the authorities to avoid the use of artillery and heavy weaponry in zones where civilians are especially at risk and he again appealed to the LTTE to let civilians go and stop forced recruitment. The SG emphasized that protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law is the top priority.
- The military has already cleared thirty acres of land in Menik Farm zone 4.
- UNHCR and UNICEF are undertaking damage assessments in the Pulmoddai IDP site, after violent winds had destroyed recently installed tents and toilets on 05 May.
- Arrangements are underway to provide cooked meals to IDPs arriving at Omanthai crossing point. Read more and download report ...
- In a conversation between the UN Secretary General (SG) and President Rajapaksa on 05 May 2009, the SG called again for a humanitarian pause in the fighting in order to bring humanitarian aid into the conflict zone and to allow the UN to assess the situation properly.
- The SG again urged the authorities to avoid the use of artillery and heavy weaponry in zones where civilians are especially at risk and he again appealed to the LTTE to let civilians go and stop forced recruitment. The SG emphasized that protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law is the top priority.
- The military has already cleared thirty acres of land in Menik Farm zone 4.
- UNHCR and UNICEF are undertaking damage assessments in the Pulmoddai IDP site, after violent winds had destroyed recently installed tents and toilets on 05 May.
- Arrangements are underway to provide cooked meals to IDPs arriving at Omanthai crossing point. Read more and download report ...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
UN and government of Sri Lanka appeal for aid for Sri Lanka's displaced
The United Nations and Government of Sri Lanka said today that an urgent appeal has been launched for $50 million to meet the most immediate humanitarian needs of civilians fleeing fighting in the country's north.
The appeal comes at a time when aid agencies and the Government of Sri Lanka are struggling to cope with a sudden rise in displaced crossing into government territory, and as fighting continues over the last pocket of land held by the LTTE.
The number of people being held in government camps rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus when government forces breached the combat zone on 20 April. Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside that zone.
'We must address together the current shortcomings in assistance,' said Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights. 'We must build confidence amongst these Sri Lanka citizens who have suffered considerably.' Read more ...
The appeal comes at a time when aid agencies and the Government of Sri Lanka are struggling to cope with a sudden rise in displaced crossing into government territory, and as fighting continues over the last pocket of land held by the LTTE.
The number of people being held in government camps rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus when government forces breached the combat zone on 20 April. Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside that zone.
'We must address together the current shortcomings in assistance,' said Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights. 'We must build confidence amongst these Sri Lanka citizens who have suffered considerably.' Read more ...
Water and sanitation critically needed for Sri Lanka's war-affected
While government authorities and UN and aid agencies prepare to receive the second wave of people from the conflict zone, water and sanitation are still in critically short supply in the existing camps.
Organization in the camps in Vavuniya has improved over the past few days since a mass exodus of nearly 120,000 people fled the conflict zone two weeks ago. But as the initial turmoil has passed, aid agencies are dealing with the massive logistical issues that go along with meeting the needs of people in such large camps.
Emergency trench toilets were erected immediately as a temporary measure, but these urgently need to be replaced with semi-permanent latrines to prevent the spread of disease and ensure sanitation in the camps. While CARE and other agencies are installing water taps and tanks, the relief response is still struggling to bring in enough water, particularly as the dry season approaches. Read more ...
Organization in the camps in Vavuniya has improved over the past few days since a mass exodus of nearly 120,000 people fled the conflict zone two weeks ago. But as the initial turmoil has passed, aid agencies are dealing with the massive logistical issues that go along with meeting the needs of people in such large camps.
Emergency trench toilets were erected immediately as a temporary measure, but these urgently need to be replaced with semi-permanent latrines to prevent the spread of disease and ensure sanitation in the camps. While CARE and other agencies are installing water taps and tanks, the relief response is still struggling to bring in enough water, particularly as the dry season approaches. Read more ...
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 6
- The UN in Sri Lanka presented an Emergency Funding document to donors on 04 May 2009, which identified priorities for a total amount of US$ 50,133,226 in urgent requirements. This document forms part of the US$ 155 million Sri Lanka Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP).
- Today, the ERC, Mr. John Holmes, presented the same document in New York to member states of the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group (HLWG).
- Government authorities in Jaffna are reportedly allowing friends and relatives to visit IDPs in all camps. Read more and download document ...
- Today, the ERC, Mr. John Holmes, presented the same document in New York to member states of the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group (HLWG).
- Government authorities in Jaffna are reportedly allowing friends and relatives to visit IDPs in all camps. Read more and download document ...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Japanese peace envoy in Sri Lanka as resettlement begins
Japanese special peace envoy has arrived in Sri Lanka Thursday night as Sri Lanka began its re-settlement program for the war displaced in the north.
Yasushi Akashi, a former UN Under-Secretary General is on a two-day visit to discuss the island's current situation with government and humanitarian officials, Japanese diplomatic sources said.
Japan is Sri Lanka's single largest international donor. Sri Lankan officials are hopeful that Japan would join in several countries who have already pledged assistance for the resettlement process of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians displaced by fighting in the northern province. Read more ...
Yasushi Akashi, a former UN Under-Secretary General is on a two-day visit to discuss the island's current situation with government and humanitarian officials, Japanese diplomatic sources said.
Japan is Sri Lanka's single largest international donor. Sri Lankan officials are hopeful that Japan would join in several countries who have already pledged assistance for the resettlement process of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians displaced by fighting in the northern province. Read more ...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sri Lanka: Vanni Emergency OCHA Situation Report No. 3
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner arrived in Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009 and visited the Kataragama model village and Cheddikulam hospital in Vavuniya. They called on the Government to end its military operations and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to the conflict zone.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs committed US$ 3.15 million in humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009. In a press release, he restated his view that the safety and protection of civilians must be the absolute priority for all sides engaged in fighting in northern Sri Lanka. Australia also urged that a UN humanitarian team in Sri Lanka be given access to the conflict zone. Read more ...
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs committed US$ 3.15 million in humanitarian assistance for Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009. In a press release, he restated his view that the safety and protection of civilians must be the absolute priority for all sides engaged in fighting in northern Sri Lanka. Australia also urged that a UN humanitarian team in Sri Lanka be given access to the conflict zone. Read more ...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
We are coping with the exodus, says Govt.
Government officials assisted by police and security force personnel were this week pressed into service in a frantic bid to accommodate the sudden exodus of civilians from the LTTE-controlled no-fire zone as the UN appealed for more aid from international donors to meet the humanitarian crisis.
People, including day-old infants to the old and feeble, continue to flee into government-held areas even as the guerrillas engage the security forces in sporadic fighting to interrupt the mass flight.
According to official estimates, about 110,000 people have entered government-controlled areas over the past week, raising the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in the government-held areas to more than 178,000. Read more
People, including day-old infants to the old and feeble, continue to flee into government-held areas even as the guerrillas engage the security forces in sporadic fighting to interrupt the mass flight.
According to official estimates, about 110,000 people have entered government-controlled areas over the past week, raising the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) in the government-held areas to more than 178,000. Read more
Friday, April 24, 2009
Aid groups scramble for funds for Sri Lanka crisis
Aid agencies are launching multi-million dollar appeals for Sri Lanka where tens of thousands of traumatised civilians are streaming out of the war zone as the army seeks to crush the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Camps are bursting at the seams, with one aid worker saying some families are living in a space the size of a sofa. Hospitals are also overflowing as doctors work round the clock to treat civilians emerging from the conflict area with horrific blast injuries.
Neil Buhne, U.N. resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, said the system is overwhelmed and funds are desperately needed to provide basic relief. More ...
Camps are bursting at the seams, with one aid worker saying some families are living in a space the size of a sofa. Hospitals are also overflowing as doctors work round the clock to treat civilians emerging from the conflict area with horrific blast injuries.
Neil Buhne, U.N. resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, said the system is overwhelmed and funds are desperately needed to provide basic relief. More ...
Secretary-General to dispatch UN relief team to Sri Lankan combat zone
23 April 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced that he will immediately send a United Nations humanitarian team to the shrinking conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, calling for the mission to be allowed into the area as soon as possible.
The dispatch of the team to the five square-mile pocket of land where fighting rages between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was agreed upon recently between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban’s envoy, Vijay Nambiar, who also serves as his Chef de Cabinet. More ...
The dispatch of the team to the five square-mile pocket of land where fighting rages between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was agreed upon recently between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban’s envoy, Vijay Nambiar, who also serves as his Chef de Cabinet. More ...
UN appeals for funds to relieve Sri Lanka civilian plight
COLOMBO, 23 April 2009: The UN today issued an urgent appeal for funds to meet the critical needs of an exodus of thousands of people who are fleeing fighting.
Speaking from Colombo after returning from camps in the town of Vavuniya where around 80,000 exhausted civilians who escaped the combat zone are being held, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that teams are scrambling to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide water to “crowds of weary and hungry people.” More ...
Speaking from Colombo after returning from camps in the town of Vavuniya where around 80,000 exhausted civilians who escaped the combat zone are being held, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that teams are scrambling to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide water to “crowds of weary and hungry people.” More ...
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