IOM/OCHA Sri Lanka: Situation Report 22 - 24 Feb 2005

Situation
The Sri Lankan Department of Census and Statistics is still in the process of compiling a district-by-district census of tsunami affected people and structures. New data is not yet available. The last casualty figures were released on 1 February. They showed 248,866 Sri Lankan families as having been affected by the tsunami; 553,287 displaced, with 411,302 of those staying with relatives and friends and 141,985 residing in welfare centres or camps (of which there are 315). 30,974 people were reported dead, 23,176 injured and 4,698 still missing.

The latest statistics on unaccompanied and separated children show a total of 45 unaccompanied children, 1,074 separated children and 3,721 children who have lost one parent. Identification of unaccompanied and separated children in the community is ongoing..

Following his visit to tsunami stricken areas, former U.S. President Clinton has stated that he will recommend to Washington that American assistance to post-tsunami relief and rehabilitation efforts continue three-to-five years more.

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Mahmoud Al Mahmoud, officially inaugurated on Sunday, 20 February, in Galle District, Seranthukade Division the Tsunami Medical Centre. The Centre sponsored by a United Arab Emirates-based NGO, Human Appeal International, and managed by a Sri Lankan NGO, Human Care Foundation.

Overview of activities

Some 250 Sri Lankan Red Cross volunteers in Batticaloa district are being trained in health education by the ICRC for deployment in welfare centres and transit camps. In Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu, over 50 Red Cross community health workers, paid by the ICRC, are providing first aid and health-education services for displaced families.

Stitching and distribution of school uniforms is ongoing in all districts and is providing some short-term employment. UNICEF is now considering providing a second set of uniforms for children in the tsunami affected areas. UNICEF reports that 2,250 students from 14 schools have received school uniforms in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu with uniform production and distribution continuing.

UNICEF has drafted a strategic framework for psycho-social activities in Sri Lanka in the post-tsunami context. Activities cover four main areas: community support services; specialized services for vulnerable groups; direct support for mental health services; and district and national coordination for psycho-social services.

In Jaffna, ACF (Action Contre La Faim), the Danish Red Cross, WHO and UNICEF are working together on a coordinated and participatory hygiene promotion strategy in IDP camps in advance of the distribution of hygiene kits. UNICEF is working with a group of NGOs (Merlin, Oxfam, Terre des Hommes, Oxfam UK, ACD and Solidarite) in Ampara district to coordinate hygiene promotion. In addition, a joint UNICEF/ACF (Action Contre La Faim) training session on chlorination procedures is being held for 32 government and military personnel and NGO staff.

Main challenges and responses

According to the Human Rights Commission and Womens NGOs, sexual and gender based violence, including domestic violence and child abuse, remains a serious concern in temporary camps. Police officials in Batticaloa who deal with the concerns of women and children report rising domestic violence, alcoholism and related violence in the camps. UNICEF also reports similar concerns from camps in Ampara.

UNICEF and its protection partners are monitoring cases of physical and sexual abuse against children in all districts. In Trincomalee, the development of public awareness raising materials on child abuse is ongoing.

IOM, in response to the great need for transport in relief and rehabilitation activities, is providing free transport assistance to UN agencies, NGOs, government agencies and donors. IOM has a fleet of 52 lorries, each with cargo capacity of 10 metric tons. Other custom lorries are available for container shipments, as well as passenger buses, trailers and vans.

WFP and the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation (MRRR) its key implementing partner, have reached new agreement related to food aid purchases. The government has banned new rice importation due to an imminent domestic rice harvest. Because of this, WFP has agreed to make some rice purchases from the local market, thus providing economic support to local farmers. Also due to the government's rice import ban, some WFP shipments already scheduled for delivery will be diverted to other destinations. WFP has been concerned regarding an apparent excessive numbers of food coupons being distributed without clear criteria as to whether such recipients actually need food assistance. In light of this, the MRRR is now closely monitoring such distribution to ensure coupons go only to those in need.

Accurate figures are not yet available on overall school attendance in tsunami stricken areas. Nevertheless, estimates provided by UNICEF suggest that school attendance is improving although in some districts, such as Galle and Trincomalee, attendance is reportedly low. In Batticaloa District estimated school attendance in Paddiruppu is 70 per cent; in Batticaloa, 60 per cent and in Kalkudah, 80 per cent. School attendance in Hambantota is reported to be 80 per cent and all schools have now resumed classes. In Matara, school attendance is also reported to be about 80 per cent. In Jaffna, attendance in non-affected schools is 90 per cent while attendance in areas where people are temporarily residing is around 55 per cent. UNICEF has been providing basic school supplies in most affected districts.