The Netherlands pledges 2 million Euros to aide resettlement of Sri Lanka IDPs

The Dutch government has pledged 2 million Euros to support two programs implemented by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) programs for the welfare of Sri Lanka's Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).


The two programs, each receiving one million Euros help to resettle the remaining IDPs at welfare camps in their original homes in the north and east of the country and rehabilitate the former Tamil Tiger combatants to integrate them into the society.

The funds will also allow the IOM to provide emergency shelter, transitional homes, water, and sanitation and job creation in the conflict-ravaged communities, the IOM said.

Announcing the contribution, Dutch Ambassador Leoni Cuelenaere said that it is important to help the IDPs to return home safely and with dignity.

"We hope that IOM's programme will meet their immediate needs and provide them with a foundation from which they can start to rebuild their lives and livelihoods," the Ambassador said.

IOM says it has already helped over 9,600 returning families to start new livelihoods, by providing training, tools, and small grants for returnees working in agriculture, livestock rearing, fisheries and small businesses.

IOM will receive one million Euros to support an IOM programme designed to help reintegrate former LTTE Tamil Tiger combatants into civil society.

According to the organization, its Information, Counselling and Referral Service (ICRS) is designed to help former combatants and their families to return to civilian life.

Its services include a detailed profiling of each former soldier's individual needs, referrals to appropriate training bodies or employers, financial assistance, tools and equipment, and advice on how set up a small business, the IOM said.

IOM Sri Lanka Deputy Chief of Mission Lorena Lando said the two programmes are designed to stabilize communities torn apart by the three-decade long conflict, to encourage reconciliation and to contribute to the peace and security that Sri Lanka needs for full economic recovery.

"This is a major challenge that will need even more financial and moral support from the international community. IOM is committed to raising funds and working with the government and our local and international partners to see it through to a successful conclusion," she added.