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Expressing concern over condition in the camps set up for people displaced by recent fighting in Sri Lanka, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said some 230,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been screened and registered and are currently accommodated in 41 sites spread across four districts.
Another 50,000 people are undergoing screening and registration at various points and awaiting transportation to the sites, UNCHR spokesperson, Ron Redmond, said while emphasising the need for "urgent attention" on relief operations.
"As the fighting in north-east Sri Lanka comes to an end, the scale of the challenges facing UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies on the ground become more apparent," Redmond told reporters.
According to UNHCR estimates, up to 80,000 people have left the conflict zone in the last three days alone, bringing the total number of those displaced in last several months to 280,000.
Civilians coming out of the conflict zone are reported to be sick, hungry, and suffering from acute malnourishment and dehydration. In addition, conditions at Omanthai school, where screening and registration takes place, have been described as "sub-standard in terms of hygiene, health and shelter," the UNCHR said.
Earlier this week, the Sri Lankan government declared that its military operation against LTTE had ended, and that the remaining civilians that were trapped in the conflict zone in the country's north-east had left.
"This latest massive influx of people, who have endured extreme conditions, will put an even greater strain on the IDP sites in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Trincomalee, which are already buckling under the pressure of the existing population," said Redmond.
"There are several issues that need urgent attention, including overcrowding and the limited services available at the camps," he added. UNHCR is supporting the government to address these problems by building 10,000 additional shelters.
At the same time, UNHCR is expressing concern that restrictions imposed by the authorities are hindering the agency’s access and ability to deliver humanitarian assistance to needy civilians, especially in the district Vavuniya.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is slated to visit Sri Lanka on Friday to get a first-hand look at the situation on the ground.
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The Sri Lankan crisis should be a lesson to the world. Violent means to attract the attention of the world by any group to its cause, even if it is a just cause, should be avoided so that innocent civilians need not suffer. Timely intervention is required by the organizations like the UN to any conflict that can cause human tragedies if allowed to grow. Leaders need to realize human value and dignity and should strive to provide equal opportunities for an honorable living for everyone. Basic causes for terrorist movements need to be understood and alternative methods to eradicating terrorism should find a place. In the present-day world migration of people to different countries in search of better opportunities has become common. Hence multi-cultural societies are evolving. There is a need for greater cooperation and accommodation and all should strive for social harmony and integration. Then only this world could be a better place to live.