Returning home

The latest batch of 45 Tamil refugees who returned to Sri Lanka this week has pushed the number of returnees to nearly 150 and opened up a new dimension of resettlement six years after the end of the war.

The return, initially started in 2010, grew to more than 1,000 before deteriorating minority relations with the previous Government and logistical issues such as the suspension of ferry services from South India put an end to it. The resumption faces many challenges as well even though the initial impression is positive with many having cautious optimism of the new Government after it worked to release land in the north, free political prisoners and improve overall good governance in the country.   

A batch of 65 Sri Lankan refugees, from some 32 families, returned from India in May and two others have followed. The initial group of Sri Lankan nationals, who had been living in various refugee camps across Tamil Nadu after fleeing the island during the war, were warmly welcomed upon arrival at airport by the Government but subsequent groups have received almost no fanfare.

The return effort is being assisted by the UNHCR with the returning refugees provided with financial assistance, a small sum deposited in a People’s Bank account under their name. Refugees were reported to have been provided with transport to their respective houses or next of kin and instructed to notify the Ministry of Resettlement regarding any issues pertaining to lodging.

Return and resettlement of refugees is a condition in which all individuals displaced from their homes during conflict are assured the option for a voluntary, safe, and dignified return to their homes or resettlement into new homes and communities. Once they reach their destinations, returnees should have recourse for property restitution or compensation, and should receive strong reintegration and rehabilitation support to build their livelihoods and contribute to long-term economic and political development.

With proper support, displaced persons can serve as critical and essential human resources toward the rebuilding. Return and resettlement can represent a visible end to violent conflict, legitimise the new political order, and restore normal life for the conflict-affected population. Resolving rights to nationality, residency, and property will contribute to an effective, trustworthy, and durable State-citizen relationship.

Return and resettlement processes should focus on providing safe passage for displaced populations as they return to their homes. Upon return or relocation, displaced persons should still receive protection from continued threats of violence, harassment, intimidation, or persecution. While it is the responsibility of the Government to provide this protection, international actors may have to help maximise equal access for returnees to security, health, and other public services, along with providing judicial or legal recourse when needed.

Rebuilding lives is never an easy task. Land disputes, finding employment, reintegration and rehabilitation are just a few of the myriad challenges that could face people returning. Re-forging economic and social ties could well take years, especially when challenges such as war widows and high levels of indebtedness already exists in the north and east. Lack of investment in these areas, outside of State-led infrastructure development, has also hampered growth opportunities by limiting employment. In this aspect the private sector also has a massive role to play.

Undoubtedly, the very fact people are willing to return is a huge show of faith in the Government. Such faith must be reciprocated or it will wilt fast, denting reconciliation in the process.