Nation-wide survey gives insight into aspirations of IDPs

[February 27, 2003 - 10.55 GMT]

A joint nation-wide survey of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) was conducted in a joint effort between the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees (MRRR) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) recently.

The survey was conducted to obtain key information about IDPs, specifically pertaining to demographics, locations, priorities of immediate needs and the potential for durable solutions.

The information collected during the survey will be used to create a comprehensive database to support improved policy and programme development, pertaining to IDPs by the Government, the United Nations, international and national non-governmental organizations, donors, funding agencies and the private sector.

Most importantly the survey provides an insight into the intentions and preferences of the internally displaced themselves, thus facilitating appropriate planning in the coming months.

Attempts were made to reach all IDPs regardless of location, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status or political persuasion.

For the survey the IDPs were divided into different categories; those currently living in Sri Lanka, forced or obliged to leave their homes or places of habitual residence as a result of generalized violence and/or violations of human rights. This also includes those who are still displaced, including IDPs who have returned (resettled) or relocated with Government support after December 2000.

The survey began in April 2002 and was conducted over a period of several months and was advertised on television and radio, in newspapers and via posters. It was a lengthy process in order to provide all IDPs sufficient opportunity to respond to the survey and thereby ensure the quality of the information.

The obtained information is used to give an indication of the desires of the IDPs and give direction as to where and how to assist them as they return, resettle or relocate.

Some initial observations of the data were that 63% responded that they would like to return home; 3% indicated that they would like to move to a new place; 25% indicated that they wanted to remain where they were and 7% were undecided.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: February 27, 2003  - 10.55 GMT.