Majority of IDPs returned to places of origin - EC

http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=27099

Majority of IDPs returned to places of origin - EC
7 Oct 2010 - 14:17
Humanitarian assistance from EC: The European Commission yesterday (06 Oct) adopted a decision to provide €10 million as humanitarian assistance to people who had been displaced by conflict in the North.
With the end to the conflict, the return process of an estimated 300,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs), who had been displaced during the last spate of the conflict was accelerated in December 2009 and the majority of IDPs have been able to return to their places of origin. The return process is expected to continue for the remainder of 2010, the European Commission said in a press release.
Since the return process began in 2009, many Sri Lankans have returned to their place of origin but they still require assistance for shelter, as well as the risks posed by land mines contamination, EC said.
Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, said: "Last year, the Commission allocated a total of €13 million to Sri Lanka. With this Decision, Europe is following through on its commitment to assist Sri Lankan people. Although improvements have been made in many areas, urgent needs remain and have to be addressed through adequate access for international aid. The new funding will provide assistance in the areas of shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation, as well as the financing of de-mining programmes. Particular focus will be placed on reaching the most vulnerable among the returnees, namely female-headed households, the disabled, the elderly and the children.”
Since 2007, the Commission has allocated a total of €58 million in humanitarian funding to Sri Lanka, including yesterday’s allocation. All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Georgieva. The Commission-funded projects are implemented by non-governmental organisations, specialised UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement in respect of international humanitarian principles. ECHO closely ensures that assistance is delivered in a coordinated fashion and closely monitors the use of the Commission's relief funds, the EC statement further said.Courtesy:priu.gov.