REP OF UN/SG:SAFETY AND LIVELIHOOD of IDPs SHD BE ENSURED!

Focus of IDPs should be revival of their livelihood: Prof. Walter Kahn

During the process of resettlement of IDPs, main focus should be on revival of their livelihood activities. “In this regard, action will be taken to draw the attention of the International Community on livelihood issues of IDPs and provide them required assistance said Professor Walter Kahn, Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Human Rights of IDPs during a meeting with Minister of Resettlement Rishard Bathiudeen at the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief services.”
UNHCR Regional Bureau Director Mrs. Janet Lim and Ministry Secretary Mr. A.C.M. Razik were also present at the meeting.

“Based on the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this Ministry was established specifically to look into the matters of the IDPs stated Minister Bathiudeen.” Explaining to the visiting delegation, the Minister further added that there were about 300,000 people who were rendered IDPs and languishing at the inception as a result of the horrendous conflict.

“But with the establishment of this Ministry, we were able to provide Humanitarian aid to the IDPs and resettle them in their places of origin liberated by the Armed Forces. Following the liberation of East. approximately 200,000 IDPs have been resettled in Batticaloa and Trincomalee within a short span of time” he said.

Final phase of liberation of Mannar district is in progress. On completion of clearing of landmines and other explosive devices from the liberated areas, we are standing by to commence resettlement in the Mannar district as well, said Mr. Bathiudeen.

Arrangements have been made by the government under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to receive and provide Humanitarian assistance to the innocent people escaping to cleared areas controlled by the Government from LTTE controlled areas in Mullaitivu and Killinochchi Districts. Mr. Bathiudeen pointed out that the importance of cooperation and assistance of the international Community in this regard and requested the visiting delegation to voice their concerns.
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