The Government of Sri Lanka has the primary responsibility to protect and assist internally displaced people in the country. UNHCR supports the Government in helping hundreds of thousands of people displaced in the north and east by 30 years of war. 

 

While helping the Government coordinate relief efforts on the ground, through various protection projects and its presence in the field, UNHCR also monitors the general welfare of IDPs and helps find solutions for protection and relief issues until permanent solutions are provided.

 

The agency distributes basic household items on a regular basis so that the families can continue with their lives while in displacement.  

 

At the same time UNHCR, together with humanitarian agencies, also provides shelter assistance in the displacement sites either through the distribution of shelter material or by setting up emergency shelters in line with international humanitarian standards.

 

As the lead agency for the coordination of shelter assistance to conflict IDPs, UNHCR coordinates shelter activities in the north and east. 

 

In addition, UNHCR supports local government structures involved in assisting the IDP caseload, through capacity building such as training, technical assistance etc.

 

Following the tsunami, UNHCR also worked on advocating for equity in assistance to IDP populations regardless of the reason for their displacement. 

 

With the end of the conflict in 2009, hundreds of thousands of IDPs have left displacement camps in Sri Lanka, either to return home or to stay with family and friends.

 

UNHCR will continue to protect and assist some 430,000 still in the camps or with host families in the country’s north and east until a lasting solution is found for their displacement, be it return, reintegration or relocation.