Humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka
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Omanthai, Vanni region. Crossing a checkpoint during a previous ceasefire. Photo : ICRC/D. Sansoni | |
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However, much of the affected population--an estimated 250,000 people-- are trapped in a 250 square kilometre area and are in desperate need of protection, medical care and basic assistance.
The ICRC with the support of the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society is providing assistance to the many people impacted by this conflict. The ICRC is appealing to both sides to facilitate the safe and voluntary movement of civilians out of the combat zone as hundreds of people have been killed and scores wounded in recent days. The ICRC is determined to stay as long as possible in the Vanni, but the parties must respect its presence and its work.
In response to the crisis, the ICRC is stepping up its support for Puthukkudiyiruppu Hospital in the Vanni. The ICRC, which is the only international aid agency to have remained permanently in the Vanni over the past four months with the agreement of both sides, continues to work alongside the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society helping those in need.
On Jan. 29, 2009, the ICRC escorted 226 sick and wounded patients requiring urgent medical treatment to Vavuniya Hospital in the government-controlled area. It also escorted into the northern Vanni region a convoy of 13 trucks bringing about 170 metric tonnes of food provided by the World Food Programme. Despite this positive development, the overall humanitarian situation remains critical for thousands of people.
Following the 2004 tsunami that devastated many communities in Sri Lanka, the Canadian Red Cross began working closely with the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society to help communities rebuild. Thanks to the generosity of the Government of Canada and the Canadian public, the Canadian Red Cross has supported the construction of more than 940 houses and 2000 latrines, provided community health in 52 villages, improved access to safe water for over 1,000 families and increased livelihood opportunities for 6,000 vulnerable individuals. Community safety efforts target 400,000 children in abuse prevention programs and 4,500 community members in first aid training. The Canadian Red Cross is currently also supporting the ICRC and Sri Lankan Red Cross Society to address the urgent needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) affected by the conflict.
In addition to supporting humanitarian efforts within Sri Lanka, the Canadian Red Cross is working to reconnect families separated due to this and other conflicts.
The Canadian Red Cross Restoring Family Links program helps people in Canada to re-establish contact with immediate family members after separation due to war, internal conflict, migration, natural disaster and other humanitarian crises.
Key services offered by this program include outreach activities, a tracing service, the distribution of family messages and assistance and support in the family reunification process. For support in Restoring Family Links please contact your local Red Cross office.
Please note, due to the severity of the situation, the ICRC cannot currently provide tracing for families located in the Vanni, which includes Kilinochchi district, Mullaitivu district, Manthai West division of Mannar district and Vavuniya North division of Vavuniya district, but can provide support in tracing those originally from the Vanni who have relocated to areas controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka. If you have a family member currently in the Vanni the Canadian Red Cross will take your contact information and we will contact you if/when the ICRC is better able to assist.
Sri Lanka: helping families keep in touch across the front line
Please click here for information on the ICRC’s work in Sri Lanka
Please click here for information on Canadian Red Cross programs in Sri Lanka
Please click here to learn more about the Restoring Family Links program.
