‘Significant sign’ but still concerned-UN

25 September 2012 09:15 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United Nations today said that closure of the Menik Farm camp in Vavuniya is a ‘significant sign’ of the transition from conflict to sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, but said there are still some people who are unable to return to their homes and a solution urgently needs to be found.

Issuing a statement the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy said “This is a milestone event towards ending a chapter of displacement in Sri Lanka some three years after the civil war which ended in May 2009. But there are still some people who are unable to return to their homes and a solution urgently needs to be found”.

Menik Farm in Sri Lanka, once the world’s largest camp for people displaced from the conflict in Sri Lanka in 2009 has closed, as the last remaining inhabitants leave the camp.

The UN is concerned about 346 people (110 families) who are returning from Menik Farm to Kepapilavu in Mullaitivu District, who are unable to return to their homes which are occupied by the military. Instead, they are being relocated to state land where they await formal confirmation about what is happening to their land in the future, and plans for compensation if they cannot return.

“While these last residents have not been able to return to their former land the Government is providing them with land in another area. The Government is looking for solutions but it is important that the displaced people should be able to make an informed and voluntary decision about their future including being part of the planning and management of their resettlement,” said Mr Nandy.

The Government-run Menik Farm was set up in May 2009 to shelter thousands of people fleeing from the final stages of the civil war. At its peak Menik Farm housed 225,000 people in 700 hectares of land. International organizations have been providing basic services such as shelter, food, water and sanitation, schools and primary health care along with other services.

“The closure of the camp is a significant sign of the transition from conflict to sustainable peace and the commitment of the Government to resettling tens of thousands of people back to their homes,” said Mr Nandy.

“But there are still many people living with friends and relatives particularly in Jaffna and Vavuniya, or living in welfare centres. Some of these people have been displaced for years and they also need a lasting solution,” said Mr Nandy.

Mr Nandy called on the Sri Lankan authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) concerning the rights of people displaced by the conflict. “Allowing people to settle anywhere in the country and resolving legal ownership of land for those who have resettled away from their original homes is a key part of the reconciliation process.”

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Comments - 11

Nadeesha Pradeep Tuesday, 25 September 2012 09:27 AM

There'd be 'major' problems if army camps are removed

RamUK Tuesday, 25 September 2012 09:47 AM

‘significant sign’ but....good choice of word and warning

ramkuumar Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:09 AM

UN, have you checked that those who were removed forcibly by the forces and officers settled in their homes with least facilities. Is this satisfy UN unacceptable scale for their relocation.

NE Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:15 AM

You can never please them. In Afganistan there are millions living in camps for more than 10 years. Innocent civilians are killed almost weekly by drone attackes by US. All also all the time say sorry we will investigate but afterwards no news. No difference to what we do in SL.

SAW Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:19 AM

INVESTIGATIONS ?

Fair N Square... Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:54 AM

Nandy what happens to the Afghans and Iraqi's? do ya'll have the back bone to accuse the USA and other western countries for bombing the helll for a decade and more. Ya'll are paid by the US to carry on with their dirty work...

Readers... did ya'll know that 40 % of what is given as a donation to the UN is charged for the maintain of its staff who travel around in LUXURY vehicles... and High rent paid ... I'd rather hand my donations directly to the people in NEED...

kaputakukula Tuesday, 25 September 2012 12:02 PM

The UN knows the "serpant's legs" very well.
The UN will not eat carrot!!

ravi Tuesday, 25 September 2012 12:03 PM

fair mind your own bzs

tilak Tuesday, 25 September 2012 12:36 PM

We also concerned over about this comment as there are thousands killed and live as refugees in Afghanistan/Iraq. Pillai can't see those.

Sinhala Yaka Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:16 PM

Send more money baby

Lobo Wednesday, 26 September 2012 01:12 AM

When the UN and others make adverse comments about our country you are ever ready to believe it. Likewise, accept it when good is said and be proud of your country.

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‘Significant sign’ but still concerned-UN

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