Significant improvement in IDP camps - UNHCR

The United Nations agencies and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in the North.

While commending the improved facilities at camps for the displaced, the report noted a decreased military presence inside the camps.

According to the latest UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to enable a better living condition to the displaced persons. So far, around 4,300 displaced persons, mostly elderly and sick, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release.

As of July 9, the UN World Food Program (WFP) continues to provide dry rations including wheat flour, rice, dhal, vegetable oil and sugar to meet the food needs of the over 280,000 newly displaced IDPs in camps, according to the UN Office of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (UNR/HC). Read more ...

Significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in Sri Lanka - UNHCR report

U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in Sri Lanka's North, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps, a recent report released by the UNHCR said.

According to a July 7 UNHCR report, the improved access has allowed more effective implementation of activities to address the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons.

However, the UNHCR report says, freedom of movement remains the overriding issue with nearly 280,000 IDPs confined within the camps, restricting their ability to access employment, attend regular schools, visit family and friends, and ultimately choose their place of residence.

To date, some 4,300 IDPs, mostly elderly, have been released and the government has announced that another 9,000 have been cleared for release. Read more ...