Beyond IDPs

Tuesday, 25 September 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

AFTER more than four years, Sri Lanka can after this week say that there are no Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in the country – officially, at least. Sri Lanka has begun resettling the last of its internally displaced on Monday, but the move has been criticised by the main Tamil party, that claims they are simply being moved to another camp.

The last group of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from Menik Farm has begun the journey to their new homes, according to Security Forces Commander Major General Boniface Perera. Government data shows 1,186 people belonging to 361 families will leave the Menik Farm IDP camp in Vavuniya, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Perera had noted that the delay in resettling the last IDPs was due to the demining process not being completed in certain areas of the north. However, a top member of Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), had told reports that the last group of people is not being sent to their former homes.

The party contends that they are merely being moved to another camp in Mullaitivu and are being forcefully moved out of the camp as the authorities have refused to give them handouts unless they move to the new areas. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR declined to comment on the resettlement, but noted that an official media statement would be released before the end of the week.

At the height of the IDP crisis in 2009, after the Government ended a three-decade war, an estimated 300,000 people were housed at Menik Farm, making it one of the largest camps in the world. The Government has at various times stated that it was spent in excess of US$ 360 million to resettle IDPs in the north and east regions of the country.

Yet, whatever the official classification, it is evident that sustained programs need to be in place to provide these people with livelihoods, infrastructure, basic needs, and security. The Government programs have at times failed to carry out their promises with many of the handouts being inadequate given the high cost of living. While it cannot be denied that all IDP responsibilities cannot be left for the Government, there is much it needs to continue to do.

Completing demining, reducing the number of high security zones, and resolving property issues in the north are another dimension to this. Despite the fact that these problems have been highlighted by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), a proper solution will not become reality unless the recommendations are implemented quickly. As the only existing competent authority, many people expect the Government to provide compensation for lost property as well as facilitate a new place to live. There have been many instances when promises have not been met with adequate action on the ground.

Since its remarkable defeat of terrorism, Sri Lanka has become a place of hope for many nations, but it will truly cement its place in world history if it manages to deliver lessons on overcoming challenges all the way through building and sustaining peace. That is the greatest battle of all.