Shelter Support to Conflict-affected IDPs in the North of
Sri Lanka

Background

The Sri Lankan conflict in the north of the country lasted more than 25 years with ebbs and flows of IDPs and refugees resulting in more than two million people being forced from their homes during the period of the conflict. Many of the families have been displaced multiple times. The final stages of the war saw intense fighting in the north and heavy damage to a wide range of structures, particularly houses, water, public buildings, health and education facilities. It is estimate that there are currently 200,000 to 230,000 damaged and destroyed houses as a result of the years of fighting.

Objectives

The project has been designed to support returning IDP families in order that they will experience the positive benefits of peace and post-conflict reconstruction through a process of rebuilding their damaged and destroyed homes.

After 25 years of conflict, uncertainty, and under-investment it is essential that confidence building measures are undertaken to support and strengthen human settlement development in the North. The project sets out to target distinct activities. Firstly a major repair project for about 3,000 families. This will bring back in to use damaged houses and will greatly reduce the vulnerability of these families and enhance their economic opportunities.

Additionally up to 1,000 vulnerable families will be identified and will be supported to fully reconstruct their destroyed homes. The beneficiary selection process will, where possible, positively discriminate in favour of female headed households with larger numbers of children.

Activities

* Community development activities for resource mobilization
* Authenticated and verified beneficiary selection processes
* Support communities to assist with most vulnerable identification process
* Support communities to repair damaged housing
* Support vulnerable families with reconstruction activities
* Support families to repair reconstruct toilets and water supply
* Provide technical assistance on reconstruction activities
* Support land documentation activities
* Employ returning IDPs in construction activities
* Develop the skills of women in construction related activities
* Coordination with Government, Local Authorities and other implementing agencies
* Support environmental protection activities

Results

At the end of September 2010, UN-Habitat had commenced the construction of 70% of the repairs and 30% of the new houses.