UN says it is 'trying best' to help IDPs to return to their homes

UN Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator for Sri Lanka Neil Buhne said the UN has been working in close partnership with the government and the NGOs to provide assistance to internally displaced people (IDPs) in Sri Lanka.

He made the remarks at a ceremony to mark UN Day (24 October) in Colombo.

“As I speak we are trying our best to make a difference in helping tens of thousands of people return to their home areas in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya, in support of the commendable and strong efforts of the government to help these people return in dignity, and regain a normal life,” he said.

Tsunami and poor

He recalled how the UN offered assistance for Sri Lanka to recover from devastating Asian tsunami in 2004, and to help vulnerable communities, poor people in particular.

The challenges facing Sri Lanka today after the victory in May, are fortunately, much smaller in scale than those faced in 1945 but some are similar in nature –such as rebuilding lives affected by war, rebuilding confidence, and rebuilding the economy Neil Buhne

“The most important ingredient in our work is our 2,000 staff, 1,765 from Sri Lanka and 235 from more than twenty countries,” Mr. Buhne said.

“They have exhibited bravery, compassion, professionalism and perseverance throughout the year. Many from all over the country suffered the effects of terrorist attacks, of being caught in fighting, and of being displaced from their homes.”

The top UN official in Sri Lanka recalled the circumstances under which the UN was created, after the WWII, sixty years ago.

“The challenges facing Sri Lanka today after the victory in May, are fortunately, much smaller in scale than those faced in 1945 but some are similar in nature –such as rebuilding lives affected by war, rebuilding confidence, and rebuilding the economy,” he added.