LANKA-TAMILS 2 LST

Since the Lankan government crushed the Tamil Tiger
rebels in May, the displaced ethnic Tamils have been confined
to overcrowded, military-run camps, where their movements are
restricted and sanitation is poor.

According to IRIN, more than 245,000 people are still
in temporary camps in the north, according to the latest
humanitarian update fom the UN on October 9.
"Only 13,336 people have been released from temporary
camps to host families and another 13,502 have returned to
their places of origin in the country’s north and east (as on
that date)," it said.
On Thursday, the Sri Lankan government moved 41,685
Tamil IDPS to Vavuniya, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi in
the North for resettlement.
"The (Sri Lankan) government has steadfastly said it
is committed to resettling the IDPs, but is under growing
pressure from the international community over the rate and
manner that people are being released," IRIN said.
According to the UN-supported body, donors want "to
see a number of benchmarks achieved by the government in the
treatment of IDPs and camp conditions".
"These include freedom of movement for the IDPs,
unhindered access for aid agencies to the camps, transparency
in the government’s resettlement process and plans, and the
assurance of a voluntary and safe return for the IDPs," the
IRIN reported. PTI TVS
ANU



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