APF-Brookings IDP Project - Sri Lanka

The APF-Brookings IDP Project Team visited the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) from 30 November to 3 December 2004. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the HRCSL’s activities with regard to internally displaced persons and to develop recommendations for the HRCSL’s consideration on strategies to enhance its role in this area. Internal displacement in Sri Lanka has largely been caused by the 20 year civil conflict and the devastating tsunami which occurred on 26 December 2004. There has also been development-induced displacement, particularly with the construction of the Southern Development Highway.

The team made a series of recommendations for future activities including: strengthening the NHRC’s capacity to address the situation of internally displaced persons; promoting greater understanding and dialogue on IDP issues; and promoting effective and comprehensive legal and policy reform.