OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

The decades-long conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Sri Lankan government forces ended in May 2009. Approximately 300,000 civilians were displaced in the final stages of the conflict, and most were placed in government-controlled camps. These internally displaced people (IDPs) are now returning to their home areas and are starting to rebuild their lives. However, they continue to require humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. In addition, a number of IDPs remain in the camps, where they are completely dependent upon assistance. CIDA's contribution is supporting the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to provide coordination, information, and advocacy services in order to ensure the timely and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. Specific activities include providing information services, training, joint assessment and monitoring. These activities are done in consultation and collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and humanitarian organizations working in the country.