Social impact on internally displaced persons living in long term camps

Abstract

The Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has displaced, several times, a large number of persons, both internally and externally. Displacement has had a serious impact on the enjoyment of human rights. A broad range of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of the IDPs has been infringed over this twenty year period. The IDPs in Trincomalee district are facing immense problems by living in the camps for a long period.

The aim of this study was to find out the socio economic conditions prevailing in the long term camps and to suggest feasible remedial measures to overcome them. Data was collected through single interview questionnaires.

Cultural changes such as pattern of living, independency of younger children, non- caring for the elders, loss of traditional values and non guidance by elders existed in the camps. Privacy, matrimonial matters, leisure time and inadequate space for living contributed to uncomfortable conditions in the camp. Lower age marriages, eloping and pre-marital sexual relationship are found to be high.

Proper and speedy permanent shelter provision through coordination among government and NGOO, promotion of livelihood. opportunities, providing of educational and vocational training facilities and educating the IDPs to form societies towards betterment of the society and better education for the children are recommended.