Peace Programme for Muslim Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

This programme brings Muslim Internally Displaced Persons in Sri Lanka together with other communities in their area to bring about a better settlement and develop a sustainable peace.

Description

The initiative started in 2006 to enable the relocation of Muslims displaced by ethnic conflicts in Puttalam, Vaunia, and Mannar. At the moment they are living in camps which causes tension with the local communities, who do not often welcome the presence of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The displaced people do not have a clear idea of what to request from the host community or from other actors in the conflict, such as the State or the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE), to speed their relocation. In addition there is no opportunity for the IDPs to meet with the authorities and discuss their problems directly.

The initiative gives them the knowledge to come up with sustainable solutions for their relocation on their own, and also helps them meet the different groups whose assistance they need in relocation. As a result, the initiative improves relations amongst the various actors.

Aims / Objectives

The initiative aims to reduce conflicts between IDPs and their host communities. These conflicts are often the result of the different ethno-religious identities of the two (or more) communities.

By improving the relationships between Muslim IDPs and other ethnic and religious groups, we hope to end the isolation of the Muslim IDPs and bring them the support of the other communities in their bid to resettle.

This process of building trust and connections across ethnicities is important in the creation of a sustainable peace as it brings healing and produces conflict transformation for IDPs as victims of ethnic conflict.

How it is Articulated

The initiative formed two groups of 25 IDPs (suggested by the IDP community) for each of the three districts of Puttlam, Mannar, and Vauniya. Each group received a four day awareness programme on peace-building, human rights, conflict transformation, and communication skills.

Both during and after the programme, the groups discussed the problems of the Muslim IDPs with our field officers. These discussions also dwelt on solutions to these problems and the kind of support which can be expected from different groups.

With our assistance, the IDPs are able to make their requests clearer and more concrete, thereby increasing the chances their needs and requests will be met.

Out of the 150 participants we selected a group of 30 based on suggestions of others in the group and individual capabilities; these 30 represent all three districts and meet leaders of different religious groups, political parties, and NGOs. This gives them the opportunity to discuss their communities’ problems with the people of importance in the region and seek support in returning to their homes.

Achievements / Learning Points

The participants are very interested in the programme and in getting to know people of other ethno-religious identities from the areas where they are being relocated. They say that just knowing there are friends in those communities is itself a huge psychological relief which gives them a sense of already having support.

Further, since they are taught the necessary awareness and knowledge to communicate with the authorities about relocation and to know which requests to make to each party, they stand a better chance of receiving the kind of support they really need. The initiative is empowering for the IDPs in this respect.

Through the initiative we have learnt the Muslim IDPs often live in a state of hopelessness and isolation, since their voice is not heard even though they are the community that is most affected by the war. Therefore it is important to find strategies to empower them and to carry their voice to discussions regarding the ethnic conflict and its possible solutions, which will hopefully provide the foundations for a sustainable peace

Geographical Area of Operation

Puttlam, Mannar and Vauniya

Funding Resources

UNDP