OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

For over two decades, a civil war has raged in Sri Lanka between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Despite the end of hostilities in May 2009, the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka continues to be of concern. Approximately 300,000 internally displaced people are now located in government-controlled camps and transit sites. A small number of the displaced had begun to return home, as of mid-August. The massive influx of internally displaced persons placed severe strain on the humanitarian services available. The key challenges include: insufficient access to food and potable water, poor sanitation, overcrowded conditions, over-stretched health and education infrastructure, and protection concerns for vulnerable populations and people with special needs. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is working with the aid community to complement government efforts to address humanitarian needs. Coordination, information, and advocacy services work together to facilitate timely, efficient, and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance; review and adjustment of current inter-agency and sector coordination mechanisms aim to strengthen processes of consultation, transparency, and accountability. OCHA is also monitoring the humanitarian context and newly emerging needs, with a focus on vulnerabilities and risks of communities in the North. These efforts continue through liaison and collaboration with the Government, the Red Cross Movement, NGOs, and UN partners.