Sri Lanka • IDP Situation Situation Report #05 26 November 2009 This report covers the period from 23-26 November 2009. Limited Circulation
I. Situation Overview !
As of 19 November, there were 136,242 IDPs accommodated in temporary camps, of which 129,103 people were in camps in Vavuniya District; 2,276 in Mannar camps; 2,059 in Jaffna camps; and 2,804 people in camps in Trincomalee District. A further 1,984 IDPs remain in hospitals in the Northern Province. A total of 27,663 IDPs have been released to host families and elders’ homes, while 112,209 IDPs have returned to their places of origin.
Returns to Jaffna District ! On 20 November and 24 November, 1,557 and 1,672 persons respectively left the Vavuniya camps to Jaffna District, where they were temporarily accommodated at the Kodikamam Ramavil IDP camp. While the majority has been released, others have to remain in the camp since they do not have friends or relatives to host them or access to their homes / lands. ! As of 25 November, a total of 68,030 persons from IDP camps in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Mannar have been returned to or released in Jaffna District. ! The Jaffna Government Agent’s Office is undertaking a common assessment of the needs of returnees to Jaffna District, with work led by UNDP in cooperation with OCHA, who will support mapping based on assessment findings and needs. Returns to Vavuniya District ! On 20 November, 118 IDPs returned to Vavuniya District from Mannar. Returns to Mullaithivu District ! On 23 November, 856 IDPs were released from the Vavuniya camps to Manthai East District Secretariat Division, in Mullaithivu District. On 21 November, a further 875 IDPs returned to Mallawi. Returns to Kilinochchi District ! Local Government authorities have indicated that approximately 25,000 IDPs in Vavuniya camps, will be returned to the Karachchi region in Kilinochchi District, beginning on 1 December. They will be temporarily sheltered at the Karachchi Central College. HALO Trust is finalizing a general survey and reports on 32 minefields in the area, to ensure that landmine contamination does not endanger returnees and humanitarian personnel. Teams from the UN, IOM and Jaffna District Mine Action Office are in the process of ascertaining the status of facilities at the Central College.
II. Humanitarian Response NFI ! The distribution of NFI kits to returnees to Poonakary started on 26 November. All returnees in Thunukkai and Manthai East, as well as Mannar, have received packages. WASH ! In Mannar, UNICEF is collaborating with relevant Government partners to agree upon the cost of well cleaning operations. Food security ! FAO is working with the Agricultural Department to distribute paddy seeds to 700 vulnerable returnee families in Vavuniya District and 1,000 returnee families in Mannar District. FAO is also preparing to distribute seed paddy to returnees in Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu Districts. On 24 November, two truck-loads of paddy seeds will be sent to Thunukkai for the cultivation of 750 acres of paddy land. Seeds will be distributed to beneficiaries once land preparation is complete. !
WFP is providing six-month food rations for IDPs, who have returned to their homes or are staying with friends/relatives in Jaffna District. This assistance is targeted at families displaced
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