GENEVA (ILO News) – In a new report issued for World Day Against
Child Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that a
staggeringly high number of children are still caught in hazardous work[1]— some
115 million of the world’s 215 million child labourers—and calls for urgent
action to halt the practice.
The report, “Children in hazardous work: what we know, what we
need to do,” cites studies from both industrialised and developing
countries indicating that every minute of every day, a child labourer somewhere
in the world suffers a work-related accident, illness or psychological trauma.
The report also says that although the overall
number of children aged 5 to 17 in hazardous work declined between 2004 and
2008, the number aged 15-17 actually increased by 20 percent during the same
period, from 52 million to 62 million.
“Despite important progress over the last decade, the number of
children in child labour worldwide – and particularly in hazardous work –
remains high”, said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. “Governments, employers
and workers mustact together to give
strong leadership in shaping and implementing the policies and action that can
end child labour. The persistence of child labour is a clear indictment of the
prevailing model of growth. Tackling work that jeopardises the safety, health
or morals of children must be a common and urgent priority.”
Last year, the ILO’s
Global Report on child labour warned that efforts to eliminate the worst
forms of child labour were slowing down and expressed
concern that the global economic crisis could “further brake” progress toward
the goal of eliminating the worst forms of child labour by 2016.One year on, the ILO remains extremely
concerned with the impact of the crisis on children.
The report calls for a renewed effort to ensure that all children
are in education at least until the minimum age of employment and for countries
to establish a hazardous work list as required by ILO child labour
Conventions.It also says that urgent
action is needed to tackle hazardous work by children who have reached the
minimum age but may be at risk in the workplace and calls for training and
organizing such young workers so that they are aware of risks, rights and
responsibilities in the workplace.
The report also says exposure to hazards can have a particularly
severe impact on children, whose bodies and minds are still developing late
into teenage years. The report looks in detail at six economic sectors: crop
agriculture, fishing, domestic service, mining and quarrying, and street and
service industries.
The study notes that the problem of children in hazardous work is
not confined to developing countries. Evidence from the US and Europe
also point to a high vulnerability of youth to workplace accidents.
Other main findings include:
·
Children have higher rates of
injury and death at work than adults, as shown by a range of research studies.
A substantial number of children
experience long working hours that significantly increases the risk of injury.
The largest number of children
in hazardous work is in Asia and the
Pacific.However, the largest proportion
of children in hazardous work relative to the overall number of children in the
region is in sub-Saharan Africa.
Most of the decline in the
total numbers of children in hazardous work is among girls.
Over 60 per cent of children in
hazardous work are boys.
Hazardous work is more commonly
found in agriculture including fishing, forestry, livestock-herding and
aquaculture in addition to subsistence and commercial farming.
The ILO report concludes that while there is a need to strengthen workplace
safety and health for all workers, specific safeguards for adolescents between
the minimum age of employment and the age of 18 are needed.These measures need to be part of a
comprehensive approach in which employer and worker organizations and the
labour inspectorate have particularly critical parts to play.
The ILO Convention 182 eliminating the worst forms of child labour
entered into force on 19th November 2000. So far 173 of the ILO’s
183 Member States have committed themselves to tackling hazardous work by
children ‘as a matter of urgency’ by ratifying ILO Convention No. 182 on the
worst forms of child labour.
In this context, the ILO Country Director in Colombo Mr Donglin Li
stated that Sri Lanka
has made great progress. It is one of many countries that has ratified this
Convention and has taken steps that have led to determining a list of 51
hazardous forms of child labour and enacting legislative amendments. More
recently Sri Lanka
has also developed a Road Map to achieve zero tolerance for the worst forms of
child labour by 2016. Apart from this, the Government has pledged financial
support within the decent work programme, recognizing that the elimination of
child labour, prioritizing its worst forms, is integral to promoting social
justice.
Mr. Li stated that the ILO office in collaboration with the Ministry
of Labour and Labour Relations and its social partners will commemorate World
Day Against Child Labour in Sri
Lanka by conducting a series of events for
the general public on issues surrounding hazardous forms of child labour and
the Road Map to eliminate its worst forms by 2016.
For more information on child labour or
to request interviews, please contact the ILO Office, Ms. Shyama Salgado on
phone: 2592525 :.email: shyama@ilo.org
[1] ILO Convention No. 182 (1999) on the Worst Forms of Child Labour
refers to hazardous work as work that harms the health, safety and morals of
children. The Convention itself does not define what this includes, instead
leaving it to the countries to do so in the form of what is commonly called the
“hazardous work list”.
Sri Lanka elected to International Labour Organization Governing Body
08 June 2011, ILO NEWS- SriLanka has been elected as a Deputy Member of
the International Labour Organisation’s(ILO)Governing Body. The
election took place on Monday during the 100th International Labour Conference(ILC) which is currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ILO governing body includes 56 regular and 66
deputy membersrepresentingthe three groups that make up the ILO’s
membership;governments, employers and
workers. Elections for the membership of the Governing Body are held every
three years.
The ILC is taking place from June 1 to 17. More than 3,000 delegates from 183
ILO member countries and international organisations are attending, aswell as guests who are high-ranking leaders
of countries worldwide.
NEW YORK, 7 June 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes a
new United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution on HIV which has been
adopted at the UN Security Council in New York. The resolution calls for increased
efforts by UN Member States to address HIV in peacekeeping missions. It also
calls for HIV prevention efforts among uniformed services to be aligned with
efforts to end sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict settings.
"The
Security Council has made major strides in addressing sexual violence in
conflict. But rape is still a weapon of choice. This is an atrocious human
rights violation and a public health threat,” said United Nations Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon. “I urge all Member States to link efforts to combat HIV
with our campaigns against sexual violence and for the rights of
women."
The
resolution builds on the previous UN Security Council resolution 1308, which was
adopted in 2000. The new resolution calls on the United Nations and UN Member
States to bolster global and regional partnerships and integrate comprehensive
HIV programmes into efforts to prevent conflict, ensure security and build
peace.
“Global,
national and personal insecurity undermine efforts to prevent new HIV infections
and increase access to HIV services for both peacekeepers and civilians,” said
the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba. “This resolution will help to
mitigate the impact of HIV among uniformed services and civilian populations
affected by conflict and increase access to HIV
services.”
The
resolution, which was tabled by Gabon, President of the Security
Council for June 2011, recognises that HIV can have a uniquely devastating
impact on all sectors and levels of society and that in conflict and
post-conflict situations these impacts may be felt more profoundly. It also
recognizes that conditions of violence and instability in conflict and
post-conflict situations can exacerbate the spread of HIV because of
displacement, conflict-related sexual violence and reduced access to HIV
services.
Since the
adoption of resolution 1308 in 2000, progress has been made in addressing HIV
and security. About 60% of UN Member States have integrated HIV programmes for
military, police and other uniformed personnel. However the quality of
programmes is variable and resources to fund the programmes are often
insufficient.
“Peacekeepers can play a leading role in HIV prevention as they
secure peace around the world,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of
UNAIDS. “Uniformed personnel can act as agents of positive change, particularly
in relation to preventing sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict
situations.”
Evidence
shows that the threat AIDS poses to peace and security is far more nuanced than
initially thought. Both the characteristics of conflict and the epidemic itself
have evolved significantly over the past 10 years with sexual violence being
increasingly used as a tactic of war. Addressing this requires a broadening and
strengthening of HIV programmes for peacekeepers to ensure an effective response
to HIV and sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict
settings.
“Renewed
commitment around the new agenda is needed to ensure that the AIDS response
effectively contributes to all UN peacekeeping efforts to ensure security and
promote and build peace,” said Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary General for United
Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
During the
UN Security Council session, both the United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon and the Executive Director of UNAIDS paid tribute to the late US
Ambassador to the United Nations, Richard Holbrooke, for championing resolution
1308. In 2000, Ambassador Holbrook said, “Resolution 1308 should be well known
and it should be fully implemented. It should not be the end of the process, but
only a cornerstone for the future.”
Reinvigorated efforts around a new HIV security agenda will be
instrumental in addressing the impact of AIDS on peace and security. UNAIDS will
work with member states to scale-up access to HIV prevention, treatment, care
and support for all uniformed services, including police, immigration, prison
and the navy, to prevent HIV and end violence against women and girls.
UNAIDS, the Joint United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative United Nations partnership that
leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention,
treatment, care and support.
Future
of AIDS response focus of UN General Assembly High Level Meeting
Principal actors in the AIDS movement join world leaders at critical
crossroads
NEW YORK, 7 June 2011—More than 3000 people will come together at the United Nations in
New York
tomorrow for the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The meeting,
which runs from 8-10 June, will provide an opportunity to take stock of the
progress and challenges of the last 30 years and shape the future AIDS response.
The High
Level Meeting on AIDS is taking place 10 years after the historic 2001 United
Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDS, and the 2006 signing of the Political
Declaration where UN Member States committed to moving towards universal access
to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. More than 30 Heads of State,
Government and Vice Presidents are expected to attend the meeting which will
include official plenary and five panel sessions along with 40 individual side
events. On the final day of the High Level Meeting on AIDS, UN Member States are
expected to adopt a declaration which will guide country responses to HIV over
the next five years.
The opening
and closing plenary sessions will be presided over by Joseph Deiss, President of
the United Nations General Assembly. He said, “The momentum around this meeting
is unprecedented and promises to make this an historic event. We are looking to
UN Member States to make bold commitments which will help us reach our shared
goal of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related
deaths.”
Although
some countries are still struggling to reach their universal access targets,
many have made significant strides in responding to their epidemics. Twenty-two
countries have achieved universal access to services which prevent
mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
As well as
country-led successes, considerable progress has been made in the global
response to HIV since the 2001 UN Special Session on HIV/AIDS. The rate of new
HIV infections has decreased by 25% in the last 10 years, deaths have reduced by
20% in the last 5 years and 6.6 million people are now accessing antiretroviral
therapy, compared to just a few thousand in 2001. Progress has also been made in
breaking down barriers to stigma and discrimination and in removing punitive
laws such as travel restrictions for people living with HIV.
“Inequity,
discrimination and laws against people living with or at risk of HIV continue to
block access to HIV services for people most in need,” said Michel Sidibé,
Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
“We need a response to HIV that is grounded in human rights and one which
promotes equality and equity. Achieving this will open the way to a world free
from HIV.”
UNAIDS
recently reported that despite successes in HIV prevention and treatment, more
people than ever before were living with the virus, 34 million according to
latest estimates. They also reported that international funding for AIDS had
declined.
“If
resources go down—people most in need will suffer,” said Tetyana
Afanasiadi, Human
Rights activist from Ukraine. "The lives of millions of
people directly depend on the resources allocated. Today I am alive thanks to
antiretroviral therapy and opioid substitution therapy which I had access to
through prevention and support programmes. Reducing of the resources allocated
to those programs is a direct threat for me and for millions of people around
the world."
The High
Level Meeting on AIDS is taking place from the 8-10 June at the United Nations
in New York.
It will bring together UN Member States, International Organisations, Civil
Society, people living with HIV and public and private sector partners.
For more
information and to see the full program and access feature stories, webcasts,
videos, media information and related documents please visit the official
website at: http://www.un.org/en/ga/aidsmeeting2011/
Colombo 6 June 2011– Nearly 800 young people from Sinhala and Tamil
communities in the East have completed a six month training in a ‘Youth in
Transition project supported by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and
WUSC (World University Service of Canada). As part of the project, youth from
the age of 14 upwards were trained on leadership, career guidance and provided
internships in their chosen field of interest.
The UNICEF supported project has helped establish nearly 800 youth in their
communities. “My proudest moment was when I saved a nine year old girl from
drowning in the floods in January” said Jagath Kumara. “The confidence and
leadership it took to do that came from my YITP experience” s/he said.
The Youth In Transition Program (YITP) focuses on helping conflict affected
youth rebuild their lives. The goal of the program is to build self-confidence,
encourage community participation and civic responsibility, as well as to
provide knowledge and guidance about future opportunities.
“These kinds of initiatives will give more opportunities for youth” says Reza
Hossaini, UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka. “Leadership and career
guidance will help them develop their self confidence and increase their
chances for employment” he said.
"We first used the YITP concept in the south with tsunami affected youth.
The impact proved to be so beneficial that we were asked to run a similar
program for conflict affected young people in the East" said Helen
Patterson, Project Director, WUSC
Speaking about benefits of the programme a parent Anasha Priyandharshini said
“My daughter is teaching others in the community and contributing more at home.
After YITP, the community identified positive changes in my daughter. They
started asking what she did to make these changes, because they wanted other
youth to also benefit”.
The last batch of the UNICEF/ WUSC initiative ended on a high note in Trincomalee
last weekend. Over 80 youth and their parents attended a final reflection and
integration program at Sarvodaya, where youth from Tamil and Sinhala
communities told their stories of their experience on the program. “This
project helped me connect with youth from other ethnic and religious
communities” said Jeevanesan, a participant living in Kilevetti IDP camp.
As part of the programme young people from mixed communities were able to
communicate through art and peer discussions and shared their future
aspirations with each other. Similar programmes will be held will be held in
Ampara on June 5th & 6th, and in Batticaloa on June 20th & 21st.
By bringing youth from different communities together to learn, share and build
better lives for themselves and their families, UNICEF and WUSC hope to empower
more youth to continue building a positive and peaceful future.
For more information please contact: UNICEF
Suzanne Davey,
Communication Officer,
Ph: 0773 165 378 or 2768555
sdavey@unicef.org
WUSC
Ingrid Knutson,
Country Director,
Ph: 0777 670 074
ingrid@wusc.lk
The
Secretary-General - Message on World
Environment Day - 5 June 2011
Nearly 20 years after the 1992 Earth
Summit, the world is once again on the road to Rio – the site of the June 2012
UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Much has changed in the past
two decades, geopolitically and environmentally. Hundreds of millions of
people in Asia, Latin America – and, increasingly, in Africa – have risen from
poverty. Yet, evidence is also accumulating of profound and potentially
irreversible changes in the ability of the planet to sustain our
progress.
Rapid economic growth has come with
costs that traditionally rarely feature in national accounting. These
range from atmospheric and water pollution to degraded fisheries and forests,
all of which impact prosperity and human well-being. The theme of World
Environment Day this year, “Forests: Nature at Your Service”, emphasizes the
multi-trillion dollar value of these and other ecosystems to society –
especially the poor.
Despite growing global awareness of
the dangers of environmental decline – including climate change, biodiversity
loss and desertification – progress since the Earth Summit has been too
slow. We will not build a just and equitable world unless we give equal
weight to all three pillars of sustainable development – social, economic and
environmental. To sustainably reduce poverty, guarantee food and
nutrition security and provide decent employment for growing populations, we
must make the most intelligent use of our natural capital.
India, the global host of World
Environment Day in 2011, is among a growing number of countries working to address
the pressures of ecological change. It is also helping to pioneer a
better assessment of the economic value of nature-based services, with the
assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme and the World
Bank. India’s Rural Employment Act and the country’s encouragement of
renewable energy are significant examples of how to scale up green growth and
accelerate the transition to a green economy.
No single day can transform
development onto a sustainable path. But on the road to Rio +20, this
year’s World Environment Day can send a message that those with influence in
government and the private sector can – and must – take the necessary steps
that will fulfill the promise of the Earth Summit. The global public is
watching, and expects nothing less.
100th International
Labour Conference Conference to address
need for a new era of social justice in the wake of recent economic and jobs
crises
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization opens its
historic 100th International Labour Conference here on 1 June with a
call for a new era of social justice amid high global unemployment and
underemployment, and public
concern over the employment situation after the recent global financial crisis.
The 100th session on 1-17 June will
debate current and future challenges in the world of work, including:
record-high unemployment rates; a global youth employment crisis; the extension
of social protection coverage to the 8 in 10 persons in the world without any
such protection; the role of labour administration in ensuring fair treatment
at the workplace; and the extension of basic rights at work to millions of
mostly female domestic workers.
“The world faces a
serious social justice challenge,”
said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia, calling for a new era of social
justice. “At this 100th Conference, government, employer and worker
delegates will consider how they, as representatives of the real economy, can address
this challenge.”
Mr. Somavia will present a new report on the
state of the world of work in the aftermath of the crisis entitled “A
New Era of Social Justice”. The report warns that current patterns of
growth have become economically
inefficient, socially unstable, environmentally damaging and politically
unsustainable, breeding widespread discontent and calls
for a new model of globalization that produces “a broad and balanced set of
outcomes that people are demanding”.
“Present rules are
inefficient because they have led to a growth pattern which has generated
increasingly unequal results for people and society. The aim of an efficient
growth path is to agree on the primacy of the goal of social justice and the
contribution of policies that can generate a different set of market outcomes –
decent work outcomes”, says the report.
The Conference
will also be addressed by special guests including German Chancellor Angela
Merkel, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Russian Prime Minister
Vladimir Putin, Palestian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Finnish
President Tarja Kaarina Halonen, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and
Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey, as well as various former heads of states
and heads of international agencies.
In addition to the
discussions on the current state of the world of work, highlights of the
Conference include discussions on a proposed international labour standard on
domestic work; high-level panels on youth unemployment in North
Africa/Middle East and other regions on employment and social justice in a
globalizing economy, the role of decent work in a fairer, greener, sustainable
globalization and a vision of a new era of social justice; and plenary
discussions on the latest ILO report
on the situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories.
The Conference
will also host a panel discussion on 10 June on children in hazardous work as
part of international events marking the World Day Against Child Labour which
is on 12 June.
For more
information, please contact ILO Department of Communication and Public
Information: +4122/799-7912, communication@ilo.org
Timely
commitment from top leadership at AIDS meetingUnprecedented number of
Heads of State and Government and Vice Presidents to attend UN meeting on AIDS
in New York
New York/Geneva, 31 May
2011—As the AIDS response reaches a critical
turning point, world leaders are showing renewed commitment to AIDS as more
than 30 Heads of State and Government and Vice Presidents are expected to
convene at next week’s UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The top
level support is coming at a decisive moment in the AIDS response as more
people than ever before are living with HIV but international funding for AIDS
is seen to be declining.
The top level leaders
will join ministers and other UN Member State representatives to commit to new
ways forward in responding to AIDS. There will also be strong participation
from civil society and other actors from the AIDS movement who will join
discussions on how to take the AIDS response to the next level.
“The commitment we are
seeing for this meeting from world leaders is an extremely positive signal and
is coming at a critical time,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of
UNAIDS. “This meeting will provide a real opportunity for countries to take
ownership of the response and produce a strong and visionary declaration to
guide global efforts in reaching universal access to HIV prevention, treatment,
care and support by 2015.”
Negotiations have
already begun around the text for the final declaration which is expected to be
adopted on the last day of the meeting.
Since the first Special
Session on AIDS was held at the United Nations in 2001 significant progress has
been made in reducing numbers of new HIV infections, in accessing treatment, in
reducing the number of AIDS-related deaths and in addressing stigma and
discrimination. However, if efforts in responding to the epidemic are not
sustained and scaled-up, the important results which have been accomplished
risk being reversed.
“The AIDS response is a
shared responsibility,” said Mr Sidibé. “There are more people in need than
resources available. To address this need, both donor and low- and middle-
income countries need to contribute their fair share.”
The meeting is being held
at the United Nations in New York
from 8-10 June. For more information including the official programme and
details of media accreditation, see the following link: http://www.un.org/en/ga/aidsmeeting2011/
UNAIDS UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS, is an innovative United Nations partnership that leads and inspires
the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and
support. Learn more at www.unaids.org
The website and the Map Atlas on Integrated Strategic
Environment Assessment for the Northern
Province (ISEA-North) conducted by UNDP, in
collaboration with the Central Environment Authority, the Disaster Management
Centre and UNEP, was launched on May 26, 2011 by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister
of Economic Development.
Hon. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Environment, Hon.
Dulip Wijesekera, Deputy Minister of Disaster Management, Mr. Charitha Herath,
Chairman, Central Environment Authority, Mr. Douglas
Keh, Country Director, UNDP, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunge,
Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Major General Gamini Hettiarchchi, Director
General of Disaster Management Centre and Ms. Ramani Ellepola, Director
General, Central Environment Authority were among those present at the occasion.
The keynote address on “Ecosystem based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR)” was
delivered by Dr. Conor Skehan, Advisor to the Government of Ireland and UNEP
Technical Advisor for the ISEA-North.
The event also featured the presentation of the Agenda for
Action: Applying Eco-DRR in policy and practice, based on the summary and
findings of the first ‘Consultative Workshop on Ecosystems Based Disaster Risk
Reduction for Sustainable Development’, held from May 24 – 26, 2011. The
workshop was supported by the Partnership for Ecosystem Based Disaster Risk
Reduction (PEDRR), a consortium of international agencies including UNDP, UNEP,
Stockholm Environment Institute, World Wildlife Fund and IUCN (www.pedrr.net ).
There are three important
outcomes of the ISEA-North process. The most important is that the assessments
were carried out early in order to identify potentially adverse effects on the
environment. The agency experience of preparing the baselines and exchanging
data promoted new ways for cooperation towards the shared vision of sustainable
development. Over 25 agencies worked together in this venture and the ISEA-North
process capitalized on the technical strengths of Government agencies.
The ISEA process produced a series of Opportunity Maps (www.isea.lk) to identify the areas in the Northern Province that
can be developed with minimum environmental concerns and highlighted the number
of potential environment issues associated with the proposed development
initiatives.
UNDP provided technical, coordination and financial
assistance in new data generation including mapping of water resources, mineral
resources, archeological resources and boundaries of forest and wild life to
facilitate the process. In addition, UNDP also partnered with UNEP Post
Conflict and Disaster Management Branch to obtain technical assistance for
ISEA-North.
Secretary-General, in message for Vesak Day, urges solidarity with people
suffering needlessly worldwide by applying universal values of Buddhism
16 May, 2010 -The Lord Buddha, whose birth, enlightenment
and passing we mark each year on Vesak Day, bequeathed to humanity profound
teachings that can guide our efforts to resolve the severe problems facing
today’s world.
His injunction
against the three poisons of greed, anger and ignorance is especially relevant
to multilateral efforts to overcome the hunger that needlessly affects nearly a
billion people in a world of plenty, the brutal violence that takes millions of
lives each year, and the senseless environmental damage that humans cause to
our only home, the planet earth.
This year’s theme
of socio-economic development may sound modern, but its core is the very
problem of human suffering that Siddhartha Gautama sought to address more than
2,500 years ago when he left his palace, relinquished his worldly possessions
and went out into the world.
Numerous
Buddhist organizations are putting these teachings into practice. I am deeply grateful for their support for
United Nations activities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, our
blueprint for enabling all people to enjoy lives of dignity and opportunity.
On
this Day of Vesak, let us draw on the universal values of Buddhism to act in
solidarity with those who are suffering, thereby contributing to a more
compassionate and enlightened world for all.
New United Nations
Resident Coordinator arrives in Sri Lanka
Colombo, 10 May 2011 - The new UN Resident
Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Subinay
Nandy, presented his credentials to the Government of Sri Lanka today at the
Ministry of External Affairs.
UN
Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon has appointed Mr. Nandy his designated
representative in Sri Lanka. As the most senior UN official in the country Mr.
Nandy will lead the UN Country Team of 20 resident and non-resident UN
agencies.
Mr. Nandy has almost 20
years of experience with the United Nations. Most recently, he served as UNDP Country
Director in the People’s Republic of China, where he led the development of
UNDP’s new programme, as well as developing a new strategic partnership on
global development issues, and leading UNDP’s support to the 2008 Sichuan
earthquake.
From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Nandy
was UNDP Country Director in Vietnam. In addition to developing and expanding
UNDP’s support to Vietnam, he played a leading role in the development of the
‘One UN’ approach. In recognition of his support to Vietnam, Mr. Nandy was
awarded the President’s Friendship Award.
Mr. Nandy also held the
position of Chief of the Regional Programme and Policy Division in the UNDP
Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in New York. He served as Deputy
Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, and Assistant Resident Representative
in Bangladesh – where he started his UNDP career as National Programme Officer.
Mr. Nandy has a PhD in
Economics from Moscow Agricultural Academy. A national of Bangladesh he speaks
English, Russian and Bangla.
Subinay Nandy is the 18th
Representative of the United Nations since the UN first opened an office in
1952. Ends./
For more information please contact: Tom Hockley - Head of RC Office Mobile: +94 77 3444 155, Office: +94 11 2580691 ext 157
Email: tom.hockley@one.un.org
Japan
Social Development Trust and World Bank to improve Nutrition of Conflict
Affected Residents in Northern Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, May 4,
2011 - The Japan Social
Development Fund through the World Bank will support the nutrition improvement
in mothers and children in Northern Sri Lanka with a $2.7 million grant ($300
million LKR) for a period of two years to reduce the compounded effects of the
conflict as well as the global food and financial crisis on currently one of the
most nutritionally vulnerable populations in the country.
The Northern
Province of Sri Lanka has recently emerged from 30 years of civil conflict.
Approximately three hundred thousand persons were displaced from the Northern
Province, most of whom have been resettled back to their original districts and
are now in the process of rebuilding their own homes as well as developing their
livelihoods. A recently concluded survey carried out by the Medical Research
Institute of the Ministry of Health among the resettled population in 2010
reported that underweight and stunting prevalence among less than 5 year olds is
notably higher compared to national figures.
"Targeting pregnant and lactating
women and children under two years to improve their nutrition status, adopts the
life-cycle approach to nutrition andwill
allow the targeted population to live healthier and fullerlives"
said Diarietou Gaye, World Bank
Country Director for Sri Lanka. Better nutritional status improves
educability of children and productivity of the labor-force, which are critical
factors for Sri Lanka's development and growth.
The project will
target specific groups that are most vulnerable to nutrition deficiencies and is
expected to benefit the lives of over 125,000 people. Additionally to providing
supplies of nutritious, supplementary food, the project will also set up women's
groups as well as train public health midwives on health, nutrition, hygiene and
counseling which will benefit entire communities.
The project will be
monitored and managed by the Health Team of the Northern Provincial Council in
close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Finance Commission and other
partners including UNICEF, WFP and WHO. The World Bank will provide necessary
technical input and supervise project implementation and regularly update the
Japanese Embassy which is the benefactor of the development trust.
COLOMBO,
5th May 2011– UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund,
commemorates the International Day of the Midwife today, to commend the work of
midwives around the world and to highlight the important role they play in
saving lives and promoting good health in societies. Midwives are the unsung
heroes of maternal and newborn health.
Every
day 1,000 women die and 5,500 newborns die in the first week of life. This
could have been easily prevented by a health worker with the right skills, the
right equipment and the right support. Investing in human resources for health
is one of the soundest investments a country can make.
In Sri
Lanka, public health midwives have been a cornerstone in reducing maternal
deaths and improving the health of mothers and their newborns. A unique feature
in Sri Lanka is the continuum of care provided by midwives to ensure that
women’s health issues are addressed throughout their lifecycle.
“Sri
Lanka’s investments in improving maternal health are exemplary. By applying the
right policies and making the right investments to increase skilled attendance
at birth along with increased access to family planning and emergency obstetric
care, Sri Lanka has shown that maternal deaths can be reduced even prior to
attaining high levels of economic development. UNFPA is also proud to be part
of these achievements” states UNFPA Representative to Sri Lanka, Ms. Lene K.
Christiansen.
In 2011,
UNFPA will be highlighting globally the crucial role midwives play in saving
lives and strengthening national health systems. Together with more than 20
global partners, UNFPA will release the first ever State of the World’s
Midwifery report in June.
***
UNFPA,
the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that
promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and
equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for
policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is
wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every
girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
For more
information, please contact UNFPA:Ms. Lankani Sikurajapathy, tel. 0094-11-2580840, email: sikurajapathy@unfpa.org
World Bank Provides US$100 million for the Rehabilitation of the East-West
Corridor in Sri Lanka
Colombo April 29, 2011 -- The World Bank has signed an
agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka today to provide US$100 million in
additional financing for the Sri Lanka Road Sector Assistance
Project to support the Government of Sri Lanka to continue creating an
efficient national road system and lower transportation costs to maximize
opportunities and growth. This project will improve connectivity to the Northern
and Eastern Provinces and assist the Government of Sri Lanka to accelerate and
reap the benefits from the cessation of the conflict.
This assistance is being provided to improve and upgrade 134 km on the
East-West corridor of the A6 from Ambepussa to Dambulla and Kanthale to
Trincomalee in two phases. The funding is provided as additional financing to
the original project which has already improved and completed over 620 km of
national roads spread across eight provinces. The project aims to provide
funding for maintenance of the existing national road network through the Road
Maintenance Trust Fund and complement the funding currently being received from
the consolidated fund. A major focus of the project is also to strengthen the
processes and implement a strategy within the Road Maintenance Trust Fund which
will enable the Road Development Authority (RDA) retain the improved network in
a maintainable condition. The project will also support the Government's
strategy and action plan on Road Safety.
The project has also been designed based on the experiences from the
completed parent project with focus on the empowerment of the RDA. Within this
context, the engineering designs on the project have been completed by the RDA
themselves supported by an independent review. The project is also piloting the
supervision of the civil works to be carried out by the RDA on the
Kanthale-Trincomalee section. All of the preparatory work on the project has
been carried out by various divisions of the RDA without assistance from
consultants.
Through the process of advance procurement carried out in the project, the
contracts for the phase 1 (Kanthale - Trincomalee) are expected to be awarded in
early May this year and completed by August 2012. The phase 2 of the project is
expected to commence towards the end of this year.
The Road Sector Assistance Project follows a series of
support that have been designed to improve Sri Lanka's road system working in
coordination with the Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) and the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) as outlined in the National Road Sector Master
Plan.
The credit from the International Development Association (IDA), the World
Bank's concessionary lending arm, carries a 0.75 percent service fee, a 10-year
grace period, and a maturity of 20 years.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 06 April 2011 – The Sri Lankan economy bounced back
strongly in 2010 reflecting post civil war optimism and global recovery. The economy
is expected to show continued high growth of 8% in 2011, with services and industry
leading growth, says Asian Development Bank in a new major report.
ADB’s flagship annual economic publication, the Asian
Development Outlook 2011 (ADO), released
today,says that continued benefits from the end of the civil war such
as improved business environment, revival of tourism, increased agriculture in
the North and East as well as the global return to growth underpinned this
strong performance. Economic growth will remain high in 2011 and 2012.
The strong resurgence in
tourism which grew by 46% in 2010, as well as freight and port related
activities brought an upturn in the services sector surplus. Growth momentum in
remittances continues. Agriculture too
recorded a strong growth, aided by the revival in agriculture in the former
conflict affected areas of Northern and Eastern provinces.
“Sri
Lanka’s foremost development challenges are to sustain macroeconomic stability,
create an environment for greater private sector participation and urgently
undertake financial sector reforms ‘’ said Dr Narhari Rao, Lead Economist for
ADB Sri Lanka.
2010 budget deficit improved significantly from 9.9%
in 2009 to 8% in 2010 supported by a lower expenditure ratio. The steps taken
to expand the revenue base, simplify tax system, remove import duty, revise
import taxes on motor vehicles and cess rates are noteworthy. The budget
deficit is expected to come down further.
Import duty reductions and subsidies that maintained
stable fuel prices partly controlled the impact of rising global commodity
prices on domestic inflation in 2010 However, inflation pressures are
increasing.
“To consolidate its position
as a middle income country, Sri Lanka needs to continue to improve its economic
infrastructure and further strengthen human resource development, particularly
in education, areas where ADB will continue to offer its support’’ said ADB
Country Director Dr. Richard Vokes.
Investor sentiment was
strengthened by the approval of the tranches of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) standby arrangement. FDI strengthened sharply to an estimated $500
million, but at 1% of GDP, it needs to increase says the ADO.
ADB, based in Manila,
is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and
the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable
growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67
members- 48 from the region. In 2010, ADB approvals including cofinancing
totaled $17.51 billion.
Batticaloa, 8 April 2011- ILO’s Cash-For-Work programme,
launched in February 2011 in the aftermath of the
severe
flooding in Batticaloa District, has helped to generate quick employment
opportunities of more
than
2,250 work days for floods-affected people and has provided the communities
means to sustain
their
income until they engage in their own livelihoods and earn sufficient income to
support their
families.
The
programme was initiated in Kiran DS Division. Kiran was one of the worst
affected with damages
to
interior roads, culverts, irrigation channels and minor tanks. Although it was
planned to rehabilitate
two
kilometers of access road initially, due to the commitment of the
beneficiaries, a total of five
kilometers
has been cleaned, earth filled, leveled and drainage cut. On completion of the
Project, a road
which
was considerably damaged was made accessible by vehicle. In addition to
improving mobility of
the
community, the ILO Cash-For-Work programme benefited nearly 120 families, and
81% of the
beneficiaries
were women.
The ILO Cash-for-Work activity has been
well-received by the flood-affected people as well as the local
authorities.
It helps in creating immediate short-term employment also injects cash in the
local economy
and
stimulates local livelihoods. At the same time, the activity helps
flood-affected people in
overcoming
mental trauma as it engages people in collective activities for a good 6-8
hours in a day.
Mr Donglin Li, Country Director ILO Country
Office for Sri Lanka has reaffirmed ILO’s commitment
mobilizing
more resources to further expand the Cash-for-Work programme to other areas for
helping
the
flood-affected people in Sri Lanka.
For
more information please contact:
Mr.
R. Sivapragasam
Senior
Training Specialist – ILO Batticaloa
Tel:
(077) 3074188
Steady increase in voluntary returns of Sri Lankan refugees
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1 April 2011- A growing number
of Sri Lankan refugees are returning home with the help of the UN Refugee
Agency (UNHCR), less than two years after the end of the decades-long conflict
in the country.
During the first three months of 2011, a total of 597 Sri
Lankan refugees returned with the help of UNHCR, mainly to the eastern district
of Trincomalee and the northern district of Mannar. These quarterly figures
show a rise compared with the same period last year, which saw the voluntary
return of some 400 individuals.
Since the end of the conflict in May 2009, UNHCR has
assisted more than 3,200 Sri Lankan refugees, mostly from India, to voluntarily
return to their homes across the north and east of the country.
“It is difficult to predict accurately how many refugees
will return during the year as this is really an individual decision. But, we
do expect that during the year several thousand more refugees will return home,
mainly from camps in Tamil Nadu, but also from elsewhere in the world,” said
Michael Zwack, UNHCR’s Representative in Sri Lanka.
Starting this year, Sri Lankan refugees returning under
UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation programme receive a standard reintegration
grant, as a first step towards helping them restart their lives. Once at their
destination in Sri Lanka, these returnees can approach one of UNHCR’s five
offices in the north and east to get a kit of basic household supplies,
including plastic mats, mosquito nets, bed sheets, buckets and kitchen sets.
Refugees who wish to return home can approach the closest
UNHCR office in their country of asylum. Once the request is processed, they
are provided an air ticket to Sri Lanka and assisted to obtain relevant
documentation. In Sri Lanka, UNHCR staff meets returning refugees at the
airport and provide them with a modest transport grant to help them make their
way home.
According to UNHCR’s most recent statistics as of mid-2010,
there are 146,000 registered Sri Lankan refugees in 64 countries, with a
majority - some 69,000 in 112 refugee camps and another 32,000 living outside
camps in Tamil Nadu, India. The other main countries with Sri Lankan refugees
are France, Canada, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia, the United
States and Italy.
For further information on these topics, please contact:
Sulakshani Perera
External Relations Associate
UNHCR Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 11 2 683968
pereras@unhcr.org
ILO
Country Director Mr. Donglin Li Conferred with Pakistan’s Highest Civilian Award
Colombo, 24 March 2011- PakistanPresident H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of National
Day conferred the SITARA-I-QUAID-I-AZAM Civil Award
to Mr. Donglin Li, former Country Director of International Labour Organization’s
(ILO) Country Office for Pakistan, for his excellent services to the people of
Pakistan. Mr. Li is the present Country Director of the ILO Country Office for
Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Investiture Ceremony for the Awards took place
on 23 March 2011at the Pakistan High Comission in Colombo, hosted by H.E. Ms.
Seema Illahi Baloch, the High Commissioner of Pakistan.
The citation for the Award read
at the Investiture Ceremony stated that during Mr. Li’s six and a half year tenure
in Pakistan, the longest serving head of a UN agency at that time, he has
worked tirelessly to promote the ILO image and its Decent Work Agenda at
various national and international forums. During multiple crisis in Pakistan,
Mr. Li’s initiatives in restoring livelihoods, through creating immediate
employment opportunities for the earthquake and flood-affected population were
publicly acknowledged by the Government of Pakistan. His pragmatic and
diplomatic approach has been highly appreciated by ILO constituents and other
stakeholders.
Accepting his Award, Mr. Li said
that his heart was filled with joy to receive such a prestigious Award on
Pakistan’s National Day. He said that the conferring of this highest civilian
Award not only recognizes his work in Pakistan but it is also recognizes the
ILO’s efforts together with its constituents to promote the Decent Work Agenda
to all women and men in Pakistan. He further mentioned that it became possible
only due to his dedicated and strong team in Pakistan and the support received
from ILO constituents, therefore, credit goes to every staff member of the ILO
Country Office and to all ILO constituents in Pakistan. Mr. Li expressed his
deep gratitude to the Government and the people of Pakistan for this high
honor.
For more
information, please contact Ms. Sandra Senaratne, Information Assistant, ILO
(Sandra@ilo.org)
Government announces resources to initiate action to eliminate the worst forms of Child Labour by 2016
Mr.Upali
Wijayaweera, Secretary Ministry of Labour and Labour Relations informed the
tripartite National Steering Committee on Child Labour, on 25th
February, that the Ministry had earmarked about a third of its budget
allocation of its decent work country programme under the Ministry, towards
implementation of the Roadmap to eliminate the worst forms of child labour by
2016. The funds will be used to train duty bearers, raise awareness and promote
behavioural change amongst communities vulnerable to the worst forms of child
labour.
Mr. Wijayaweera, also announced that the National Steering
Committee, which was at the level of the department, has now been elevated as
part of the Ministry. A Secretariat has been established to support the
Committee in its primary task of guiding and monitoring progress against the
Roadmap 2016 on the WFCL. The Roadmap had been developed by the Ministry with
support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and in consultation
with the members of the Committee, including representatives of employers’
organizations and trade unions, members of civil society and multi-sectoral
line ministries and government agencies. It was endorsed by Honourable Gamini
Lokuge, Minister of Labour, and members of the Committee and stakeholdersat a Conference held in Colombo in June last
year.
Ms.
Sherin Khan, ILO Senior Specialist on Child Labour for South Asia, commended
the Ministry on the action that had been taken to achieve its goal of no worst
forms of child labour by 2016, which also was a global goal endorsed by ILO
member States. Presenting the strategies outlined in the Roadmap, Ms. Khan said
Sri Lanka
was well-positioned to achieve the goal.
Secretary
Labour asked the agencies present at the NSC on 25th February 2011,
to urgently appoint focal points on child labour to facilitate coordination for
the implementation of the Roadmap.Amongst key government agencies present were the Ministries of
Plantation Industries, Social Services, Youth Affairs and Skills Development,
Agriculture, Fisheries, Planning, Justice and the National Child Protection
Authority.
The
Commissioner-General, Pearl Weerasinghe, speaking on this occasion indicated
that Sri Lanka
is in a better position than many other South Asian countries in terms of the
incidence of child labour and hence the target is an achievable one.The Secretary urged the cooperation of all
stakeholders to work towards this goal in partnership with the tripartite
constituents of the ILO and civil society.
The
Committee welcomed the initiation of action and pledged to support
implementation, starting with their existing programmes.
UNDP presents Entrepreneurship in Sustainable
Development Awards in Sri Lanka
Colombo, 24th February
2011 – Sri Lanka’s Rural Enterprise Network (REN) has won the Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development
category at the 2010 Supporting Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Developments
(SEED) awards.
The SEED Awards recognise inspiring social and environmental
entrepreneurs whose businesses can help meet sustainable development
challenges. By helping entrepreneurs to scale-up their activities, the SEED initiative
aims to boost local economies and tackle poverty, while promoting the
sustainable use of resources and ecosystems.
The Rural Enterprise Network, a social marketing organization established by
rural farmers primarily in the south of Sri Lanka aims
at linking small-scale farmers to input-output markets. By organizing producers
in a network of organic agro- and food processing enterprises, the farmers will
benefit from improved product quality and joint marketing services.
Presenting the 2010 SEED Award and Certificate to REN, Mr. Douglas
Keh Acting Resident Representative and Country Director of United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka congratulated REN for its local
contributions and global achievements.“We
are very pleased that one of the frontrunners in advancing the green economy is
based here in Sri Lanka.”
Mr. Keh underscored the
importance of equitable access, partnerships with private sector and
sustainable livelihoods. “Sri Lanka has the ability to produce a number of
agricultural products that are in demand locally as well as internationally. It
is vital for many rural farmers to be capacitated and organized for producing
such products. He added that as a long-standing
partner and contributor to Sri Lanka’s development achievements over the last
50 years, through good and hard times, the UNDP has unique capacities to help
the Government to meet these objectives.
Constance Hybsier, Programme Manager of the SEED Initiative who
represented SEED at the event said: “The start-up initiatives that qualify for
the SEED Award demonstrate creative ways of tackling problems to provide
social, environmental and economic benefits, based on an understanding and
recognition of issues at local level. SEED winners such as The Rural Enterprise
Network are setting examples of how small enterprises are contributing towards
a greener economy and a more sustainable future”.
The SEED awardees were selected
from over 400 applications originating from about 60 countries. Together they
represent the collaborative efforts of more than 1,500 organisations from the
private sector, non-governmental organisations, women’s groups, labour
organisations, public authorities, international agencies and academia.
This year, the SEED Awards have
selected 30 innovative start-ups throughout the developing world, including
initiatives from China, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and several African countries.
SEED Winners receive
individually-tailored capacity building in areas such as business and financial
planning, and partnership management; access to relevant expertise and
technical assistance; and introduction to potential new partners and networks.
In addition, SEED makes a financial contribution towards implementing the
support needs of each winner.
SEED was founded by UNDP, UNEP and IUCN at the
2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Partners in the
SEED Initiative in addition to the founding partners are the European Union,
the governments of Germany, India, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the
United Kingdom and the United States of America.
For more information
please contact: Constance Hybsier -
Programme Manager, SEED Tel: +49 30 4431 2208,
Email: constance.hybsier@seedinit.org
Kandy, Sri Lanka 9 March,
2011 – Sri Lanka
cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara took time off the pitch to speak to hundreds
of youths about the importance of knowing the facts about HIV and AIDS. The
event was part of the ICC, UNAIDS and UNICEF’s ‘Think Wise’ campaign for the
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
“You need to educate yourself
and become more aware of the world around you and HIV and be unafraid and
unashamed to speak openly about these subjects with your friends, family and
your teachers in school,” said Mr Sangakkara, during the event which was held
at his old school, Trinity College, in Kandy.
As part of the Think Wise
initiative a youth drama group staged a play to demonstrate the impact of
stigma and discrimination for those living with HIV. The drama reinforced the
need for more education and life skills especially among adolescents as a means
of preventing the spread of HIV.
Kumar, along with other
leading international cricketers including Graeme Smith and Virender Sehwag, is
a spokesperson for ICC’s Think Wise partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF
promoting HIV prevention. He was joined by team mates Ajantha Mendis and Upul
Tharanga who also showed their support for HIV prevention in the country.
Since 2003, UNAIDS has been
working with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address the issue of
HIV and AIDS in cricket-playing countries. In 2006 UNICEF, joined this
prominent partnership and the programme for 2010-2011 has come together under
the ‘Think Wise’ banner to focus on raising HIV awareness and reducing stigma
and discrimination.
The Sri Lanka ‘Think Wise’
campaign partnership includes the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Cricket,
UNAIDS, UNICEF, Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and the Interact
Clubs. The campaign encourages young people to be informed, take appropriate
action to prevent HIV infection and stand together against the stigma and
discrimination often facing people living with HIV.
More than 7,000 people
worldwide are newly infected by HIV each day and one out of every three of
these is a young person aged between 15 and 24 years.
COLOMBO, 7th March 2011 – The 100th commemoration of
International Women’s Day stresses the importance of equal access to education,
training and science and technology to drive economic growth, empower women and
ensure the well being of their families, their communities and nations. The
United Nations calls on all nations to strive to ensure the full and equal
participation of women in all areas of public and private life.
This
year’s theme – equal access to education, training and science and technology:
pathway to decent work for women, is more important now than ever because wide
differences within and across countries continue to persist despite a closing
gender gap in education. Women and girls continue to endure unacceptable discrimination
and violence, often at the hands of intimate partners or relatives. In the
realm of decision-making, fewer than 10% of countries have female heads of
state or government, and even where women are prominent in politics, they are
often under-represented in other areas of decision-making, including at the
highest level of business and industry.
Sri
Lanka has achieved significant progress towards equality for women with
positive gender indicators in health and education. However, these have not
always translated into equal opportunities for women. The recent progress
report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Sri Lanka highlights a
range of inequities between men and women; one of the most apparent being the
labour force participation rate where Sri Lanka records the twentieth largest
gap in labour force participation between the sexes. The participation of women
in parliament continues to be low with only 5.7% of parliamentarians being
women.
The
United Nations Secretary General in his message on this day places emphasis on
the use of tools such as internet and cell phone, which backed by education and
training, can help women to break the cycle of poverty, combat injustice and
exercise their rights. As stated by Mr. Ban-ki-Moon, “only through women’s full
and equal participation in all areas of public and private life can we hope to
achieve the sustainable, peaceful and just society promised in the United
Nations Charter”. Ends./
For more information please contact: Lankani
Sikurajapathy-National Programme Analyst, United Nations
Population FundOffice:
94-11-2580691-7 Ext.395 Email: sikurajapathy@unfpa.org
Colombo 4 March, 2011 – Investing in the world’s 1.2
billion adolescents aged 10-19 can break entrenched cycles of poverty and
inequity, said UNICEF in its 2011 State of the World’s Children report
entitled ‘Adolescence: An Age of Opportunity’.
The State of the World’s
Children report states that strong investments during the last two decades have
resulted in enormous gains for young children up to the age of 10. The 33 per
cent drop in the global under-five mortality rate shows that many more young
lives have been saved, in most of the world ‘s regions girls are almost as
likely as boys to go to primary school, and millions of children now benefit
from improved access to safe water and critical medicines such as routine
vaccinations.
The Minister of Youth Affairs
and Skills Development Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma said: “Greater investment in
the education and training of youth could break the root causes of poverty and
discrimination and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s
economy.”
“Adolescents today face a
unique set of collective global challenges, including an uncertain economic
outlook, high levels of youth unemployment, an escalating number of
humanitarian crises, climate change and rapid urbanisation. Faced with these
challenges, we have to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to
build a prosperous and peaceful future,” said the UNICEF Representative for Sri
Lanka, Reza Hossaini.
The UNICEF State of the
World’s Children report 2011 was launched in Colombo in partnership with the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. The report sets out that
adolescence is a critically important age. Young people who are poor or
marginalised are less likely to make the transition to secondary education
during adolescence, and they are more likely to experience exploitation, abuse
and violence such as domestic labour and child marriage, especially if they are
girls. Girls who marry early are most at risk of being caught up in a negative
cycle of premature child-bearing, high rates of maternal mortality and child
undernutrition. Girls also experience higher rates of domestic and/or sexual
violence than boys, and are more susceptible to the risk of HIV infection.
Sri Lanka has an adolescent
population of more than three million. Steady investments in health, education
and water and sanitation services have resulted in improving and high survival
rates, better literacy levels and improved access to safe water and sanitation.
This new report provides data
on youth around the world and indicates 28 births per 1,000 girls, aged 15-19
in Sri Lanka. This figure is lower than the South Asian average which stands at
54 births per 1,000, aged 15-19. This report also suggests up to 54 per cent of
females aged between 15 and 19 in Sri Lanka believe that a husband is justified
in hitting or beating his wife.
With 81 million young people
out of work globally in 2009, youth unemployment remains a concern in almost
every country. An increasingly technological labour market requires skills that
many young people do not possess. In many countries large teenage populations are
a unique demographic asset that is often overlooked.
For
more information;
UN Population Fund Hands over reproductive health
equipment for resettled communities in the north
COLOMBO, 24th
February 2011 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, handed over
medical equipment worth USD 120,000 to the Minister of Health, Hon. Maithripala
Sirisena, at a ceremony yesterday at the Ministry of Health. The medical
equipment will help to meet the reproductive health needs of women and girls in
the North, particularly those who are pregnant.
The equipment will be
distributed to hospitals and other health institutions in Jaffna, Killinochchi
and Mannar districts serving resettled communities. UNFPA Representative, Ms.
Lene K. Christiansen, at the handover ceremony stated, “It is encouraging to
see that the special needs of women and girls are given priority in Sri Lanka,
and UNFPA is pleased to continue its support to the government’s efforts in
meeting these”.
UNFPA continues to provide support to resettled population in the north through the operation of mobile reproductive health clinics, offering prenatal and postnatal care, voluntary family planning, services for HIV prevention and psychosocial counseling. Personal hygiene packs containing sanitary towels and other toiletries and maternity kits for pregnant women are also being distributed to help maintain personal hygiene.
More recently, UNFPA provided USD 200,000 worth of hygiene supplies and maternity kits for flood affected people.
***
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an
international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man
and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports
countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty
and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young
person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity
and respect.
For more information, please contact UNFPA:Ms. Lankani Sikurajapathy, tel. 0094-11-2580840, email: sikurajapathy@unfpa.org
ADB grants $ 3 million emergency flood assistance to Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, (18 February 2011), The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $3 million to support emergency relief work in Sri Lanka after devastating floods earlier in the year left at least 64 people dead, forced over a million from their homes, and badly affected the country’s rice crop.
“We are saddened by the extent of damage of the serious floods and ADB will do it all it can to assist Sri Lanka in dealing with the emergency,” said ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda.
The grant from ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund will finance the essential needs of those affected by the disaster, as well as helping to restore livelihoods. The fund, established in 2009, provides rapid grants to ADB member countries affected by natural disasters.
“As well as working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and our development partners to offer timely and coordinated emergency assistance to those affected, we are also assessing the longer term needs for rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure,’’ said Richard Vokes, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka.
The floods in January and February, which followed a prolonged period of torrential rains, are thought to have affected almost 5% of the population of 20 million. The worst affected areas were the Eastern, Northern and North Central provinces where many displaced people have just returned to rebuild their lives following the cessation of the country’s civil war.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.
Sri Lanka to host the Third Meeting of UNESCO Forum of Ministers on Social Protection Policies in South Asia
Colombo, 15 Feb. 2011- On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, celebrated on 20th February since 2009, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Social Services of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka are jointly organizing the Third Meeting of the UNESCO Forum of Ministers in charge of Social Development from South Asia on Social Protection Policies in South Asia (20-22 February 2011),in Colombo at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon’ble D. M. Jayaratne, will address the Inaugural Session on Sunday 20 February 2011 as the Chief Guest and Hon’ble Felix Perera, Minister of Social Services and Ms. Pilar Alvarez-Laso, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, will deliver a speech as Guests of Honour. This will coincide with the celebration of the World Day of Social Justice, recognizing the importance of promoting human dignity, harmony and equality of opportunity.
The participants of the meeting include, Ministers from Afghanistan (Hon. Ms Amina Afzali), Bangladesh (Hon. Mr Enamul Haq Mostafa Shahid), Sri Lanka (Hon. Mr Felix Perera) and High-level Representatives from Bhutan (Mr Tshewang Tandin), India (Dr Narendra Jadhav), Maldives (Ms Mariya Ali), Nepal (Ms Bindra Hada) and Pakistan, as well as over 50 researchers and scholars, social activists, representatives of UN agencies and international organizations from across South Asia, who will engage in social policy dialogue over social protection measures designed for the benefit of the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded.
The meeting hopes to facilitate social policy dialogue over social protection measures designed for the benefit of the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded. It is hoped that this initiative will raise awareness and foster commitment towards the development of social protection policies based on high quality research. Ministers and high-level officials of SAARC countries are expected to sign a Declaration at the end of the Forum, solidifying their commitment to expanding the scope and outreach of social protection policies and programmes and advancing the agenda for a universal social protection floor initiative for the South Asia region.
For further details please contact Ms Marina Faetanini, Programme Specialist for the Social and Human Sciences Sector UNESCO New Delhi Office (Email: m.faetanini@unesco.org, Phone: +91-(0) 9818850635), Ms Olinka Randeniya, Co-ordinating Secretary, Conference Secretariat (Email: msssec@sltnet.lk, olinkar@yahoo.co.uk; Phone +94-(0) 777 706338) and Ms Dilshini Ramanayake, Conference Secretariat (Email: bconnected@sltnet.lk; Phone: +94-(0) 776 371134)
<!--[endif]--> <!--[endif]--> WFP welcomes ECHO support to assist flood-affected communities
COLOMBO –The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a 700,000 Euros, (approximately U$ 1 million) donation from the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) to provide urgent food supplies to communities affected by recent monsoon floods.
Over the past month the floods have displaced tens of thousands of people, severely affected paddy cultivation and, in many areas, destroyed local vegetable crops resulting in crippling price hikes. “This contribution from ECHO to WFP in Sri Lanka comes at a very critical juncture, allowing us to assist some 500,000 people hit hardest by the floods,” said WFP’s Country Representative in Sri Lanka, Adnan Khan. “The needs of the flood-affected communities are great and WFP still faces considerable shortfalls in our funding.”
“Before the floods, many conflict-affected families were attempting to resume agricultural activities after returning to their homes. Now they have been hit by another calamity and will need food and other humanitarian assistance in the months ahead if they are to fully rebuild their lives,” Khan said.
The recent monsoon flooding has been on an unprecedented scale, and the Department of Meteorology is forecasting more heavy rains over the next few days in the northern, eastern and central parts of the island.
"This is the second deluge that many people have faced in the past two months and it may not be over yet," said Ambassador Bernard Savage, the European Union's Head of Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. "Europe's life-saving humanitarian assistance is crucial in the aftermath of such a disaster where thousands suffer the loss of life, homes and livelihoods," he added, referring to ECHO's two million Euro contribution to the relief operations of the wider humanitarian community. WFP is working closely with the Sri Lankan government to access the flooded areas and deliver urgently required food supplies.
For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org): Paulette Jones, WFP/Sri Lanka, Tel. +94 11 4 740350/1/3, Cell + 94 0 7729 10076 Ilona Milner, WFP/Sri Lanka, Tel. + 94 11 4 740350/1/3, Cell+ 94 0 7731 71036 For more information on WFP activities: http://www.wfp.org/
Sandali Wijayatilake, EU/ Sri Lanka Tel: + 94 11 2674413-4, Cell + 94 777866636 Malini Morzaria, ECHO / Regional, Cell: +91 987 139 6099 For more information on the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO): http://ec.europa.eu/echo/index_en.htm
Note: 1 USD is 110 SL rupee, 1 Euro is 150 SL rupee
WFP scales up response to renewed flooding in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO – The United Nations
World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up emergency food assistance to
about 500,000 people in districts of Sri Lanka that have been hardest hit by a
second wave of flooding within a month.
Sustained rains
over the past week throughout Eastern, North and North-Central Sri Lanka have
forced over 180,000 people from their homes and caused major damage to food
crops. Most of the displaced people are now housed in some 500 temporary
shelters in 13 districts across the island.
“WFP is providing
food to help those affected by floods cope with their immediate nutritional
needs,” said WFP Sri Lanka Country Director Adnan Khan. “Given the extent of
damage to food crops, we are also planning longer term assistance to help
people restart their lives and cover serious gaps in household food supplies in
the weeks and months ahead.”
Agricultural
production has been severely affected by the flooding. According to the
Ministry of Agriculture, about 450,000 metric tons of paddy cultivation from
the upcoming Maha harvest has been damaged. Local vegetable crops have
also been wiped out in many areas, leading to price hikes. The full extent of
the damage is difficult to assess, as efforts to carry out assessments have
been hampered by difficulties reaching many of the worst affected areas.
Threats to
reservoir embankments have compelled authorities to open sluice gates across
the island, and several major roads continue to be inundated with flood waters.
This comes at a time when people were just starting to return home after
fleeing flood waters in mid- January.
WFP is working
closely with the Sri Lankan government to access populations in the flood
areas. Army land vehicles and navy boats are being deployed to help ensure food
supplies reach the hungry in hard to access areas.
The
flood relief operation is being launched at a time when WFP is facing an US$13
million shortfall in its existing operation to help people affected by conflict
to return to their homes in the north-east. Rations for 250,000 returnees have
been at a reduced level since October last year, and unless new funds are
immediately forthcoming, WFP will have exhausted all in-country food stocks by
April.
Colombo,
07 February 2011
- The United Nations (UN) continues to support the Government to meet the
urgent needs for shelter, food and drinking water among one million people
affected by the second wave of floods this year. The UN will revise its Flash
Appeal of US$ 51 million in emergency funding at the end of this month in
accordance with needs of both flood events.
More
than 300,000 people in 15 districts of the country are displaced across 744
temporary evacuation centres, with thousands of houses destroyed in full or
part, and over a million persons affected in the North-Central, Central,
Wayamba, Eastern and Northern Provinces, according to the latest report
released by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Additionally, many people are
hosted with families and friends. Eleven persons have died and eight injured as
a result of the floods.
The
United Nations Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Neil Buhne said that
the impact on people of this second wave of floods is even greater than the
first in large part as peoples' capacity to cope was already diminished,
underscoring the vital need for international support to the national response.
The
UN system is supporting the Disaster Management Centre-led assessment of the
floods and landslide situation in affected districts to determine the extent
and location of damages as well as immediate relief needs for non-food items,
food and drinking water. Amidst hindrance to access caused by flooded roads, UN
agencies continue responding with a wide range of supplies.
The
World Food Programme (WFP) has distributed six-days of food amounting to 340
metric tons in support of around 192,000 persons in Batticaloa, Ampara,
Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.
United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) dispatched around 4,600 tarpaulins to Ampara
and Trincomalee districts, while the International Organization for Migration
(IOM) supplied 9,000 plastic sheets and tarpaulins for flood-affected
communities in Batticaloa and Ampara districts. The United Nations Refugee
Agency (UNHCR) provided 400 tents in the affected districts.
UNICEF
will provide purified water and IOM has supplied 2,500 packs of non-food items,
such as sleeping mats, buckets, soap and cooking pots as immediate
relief.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting with surge
capacity to the Health Ministry to ensure medical response in Batticaloa,
Polonnaruwa and Kalmunai, and is currently assessing urgent health needs in
other flood-affected areas. OCHA and UNDP have supported local authorities to
coordinate needs on the ground, provide mapping, needs assessment compilation
and analysis. The UN and its agencies have also temporarily assigned at least
20 staff to support the Government Agents and central level emergency response
activities.
The
UN and its partners are committed to supporting humanitarian and development
needs of all Sri Lankans.
ENDS/.
For
more information please contact: Carrie
Howard – Information Officer Mobile:
+94 77 2858 946, Office: +94 11 2580691 ext 414 Email: howard@un.org
Joint plan of
assistance launched to support northern recovery
Colombo / 01 February 2011: To support the
people in the north to recover and rebuild their lives the Government of Sri
Lanka, jointly with the United Nations and the broad humanitarian community
including NGOs, launched a plan of assistance today.
The one-year program called the “Joint
Plan for Assistance for Northern Province in 2011” (JPA) identifies priority
activities and strategies to be undertaken during 2011.This plan has been developed in support to
the overall national programme to help the people of the Northern Province to
recover, rebuild and return to a normal life in the coming years.
The JPA
provides a framework for meeting immediate needs while linking interventions to
the early - and medium-term recovery efforts including the priorities of
building shelters and homes, supporting agriculture, food security and
livelihood recovery. The plan also includes a wide-range of early recovery
efforts such as improving health and nutrition, clearing mines to support
continued resettlement, education initiatives, water and sanitation strategies
and strengthening of civil administration and national protection mechanisms.
Speaking at the JPA launch, Minister
of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa said that the government is well aware
of what needs to be done to support re-establishment of lives and livelihoods
and invited the donor community to invest in the reconstruction and development
of the Northern Province.“Through
partnership with the UN and NGOs more investments will be made to move towards
full development of the region to reach similar standards found in the rest of
the country,” he said.
The United Nations Resident and
Humanitarian Coordinator, Neil Buhne said that “the ultimate aim is to ensure
the long-term sustainable development of the Northern Province within the
shortest timeframe possible.” Noting that “the process of recovery, from
humanitarian relief to economic development, would take several years,” Mr.
Buhne stressed the importance of strengthened partnership and planning to
realize these objectives.
The recovery plan was developed
through a consultative process led by the Government through the Presidential
Task Force, involving technical Ministries, the Northern Provincial Government,
Government Agents, the United Nations and its agencies, national and
international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International
Organizations (IOs).
The JPA outlines the considerable
accomplishments made by the Government and its partners during 2009 and 2010
during which hundreds of thousands of displaced families returned to their
homes and began to recover and rebuild their lives.
Regular monitoring will be carried
out on the JPA, which aims to ensure that assistance targets the people and the
institutions that most need it, that interventions continue to be consistent
with the Government’s plans, and with internationally established principles
for such assistance. ENDS./
They may be rivals on the field of play, but India opener
Virender Sehwag and Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara have joined together to
star in a new Think Wise campaign for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
The players feature in a
public service announcement, released today and available free to all broadcasters
across the globe, encouraging young people to ‘get the facts, protect
yourself’, as part of the ICC’s Think Wise partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF
promoting HIV prevention.
The campaign will encourage
young people to be informed, take appropriate action to prevent HIV infection
and stand together against the stigma and discrimination often facing people
living with HIV. Although UNAIDS announced that new HIV infections had fallen
by 20 per cent between 2001 and 2009, more than 7,000 people were infected each
day in 2009 and one out of every three of these was a young person aged between
15 and 24 years.
“The ICC Cricket World Cup
2011 provides an opportunity to use our profile as cricketers to deliver
important social messages to the hundreds of millions of supporters who will be
watching the tournament across the world,” said Virender Sehwag.
“I hope this public service
announcement can encourage young people to get the facts and protect themselves
from HIV. While my main focus for this tournament is on helping India win the
World Cup, I hope that a legacy of the event will be that more young people
feel comfortable talking about their relationships and understand how to
protect themselves against HIV.”
The colourful promos, that
are 30 and 45 seconds in duration, are set to a lively theme tune of “let’s
talk” and aim to encourage young people across the globe to discuss HIV
prevention. As part of the script, Sangakkara encourages fans to “wait, stick
to one partner, or use a condom”, before Sehwag calls on young adults to “get
the facts, protect yourself against HIV”.
Sehwag and Sangakkara, who
are both Think Wise champions, have been active supporters of the partnership
since it was formed in 2003, visiting projects at ICC events and promoting
global HIV prevention and stigma reduction messages. Other active supporters in
the partnership include Graeme Smith (South Africa), Shakib-Al-Hasan
(Bangladesh) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies).
“As a Think Wise champion and
cricketer, I want to help educate young people on how to protect themselves
from HIV. It is important that young people around the world have access to the
right information to help them make informed decisions and break down stigma
and discrimination. Through this public service announcement, I want to help
stop the spread of HIV and encourage young people to get the facts, talk
openly, and protect themselves from HIV,” said Sangakkara.
A number of other Think Wise
activities are planned during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Players will have
a series of interactions with local community groups supported by UNAIDS and
UNICEF throughout the three host countries, teams will wear red ribbons on
their shirts in key matches during the competition and HIV prevention messages
will be promoted at venues on all match days, including during the national
anthem ceremonies. Young adults taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup
schools programme in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka have already received HIV
education sessions as part of the Think Wise programme.
Deputy
Humanitarian Chief Visits Former Conflict Area in Sri Lanka
(Colombo/New York, 20 January 2011):
On the second day of her three-day visit to Sri Lanka, United Nations Assistant
Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief
Coordinator Catherine Bragg travelled across the country to get a better
understanding of humanitarian priorities.
First, Ms Bragg travelled north to Theravil
in Mullaitivu District, which has only recently been cleared of landmines,
allowing its former residents to return and begin rebuilding their lives.
A decades-long conflict in northern
Sri Lanka ended in May 2009
and saw more than 300,000 people displaced and housed in Government-run camps.
Currently only 20,000 people remain in the camps, unable to return home due to
the risk of land mines and lack of basic services.
Today,
there are 263 families who have returned to Theravil, which was one of the last
battlegrounds in the conflict, after their release from the largest camp, Menik
Farm in November 2010.
“Significant
progress has been made in meeting the needs of the IDPs and promoting return
processes. However, those who have been released now face a daily struggle to
rebuild their lives, and have to start from scratch,” said Ms. Bragg. “There is
nothing left. They are going to need schools and teachers, hospitals and
doctors, and basic social services.”
During the visit, aid organizations
expressed their wish to be able to help provide the sort of support needed to
address the range of vulnerabilities that people face whether physical, social
or psychosocial.
“We are here to support them. It is good that
the Government has invested significantly in infrastructure, but this should be
combined with investing in the people as well.” said Ms Bragg.
Ms Bragg
then travelled to the Batticaloa in the flood-ravaged
eastern province where she heard from local government and aid organizations
about the extent of the damage especially on the agricultural sector, which has
lost 80 percent of this season’s harvest in some places.
Ms Bragg
wrapped up her second day by launching the Flash Appeal for the floods, which
is appealing for $51 million dollars to meet the urgent needs of one million
people for the next six months.
During
the launch, Ms Bragg announced that a $6-million grant from the Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has been allocated to jumpstart key life-saving
projects listed in the Flash Appeal.
Pooled footage and photographs of the visit are available.
(Colombo/New York: 18 January 2011): Ms.
Catherine Bragg, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy
Emergency Relief Coordinator, will visit Sri Lanka from 19 to 21 January 2011.
The primary purpose of Ms. Bragg’s mission is to
highlight the humanitarian needs in Sri Lanka and to advocate on behalf of the
most vulnerable.
"Humanitarian work is about reaching all
people in need and in particular the most vulnerable, providing them with
emergency assistance and supporting them through their most difficult time.
This includes helping them recover and rebuild their lives," said Ms.
Bragg.
In the last week torrential rain has affected
more than one million people in Sri Lanka’s eastern and central districts,
forcing up to 370,000 people to flee their homes, and has claimed 43 lives to
date.
This is additional to the ongoing humanitarian
concerns in the north, where 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain
in Government-run camps since the end of the conflict in 2009, and those who have
returned to their areas of origin are struggling to rebuild their lives.
The mission will be an opportunity to emphasize
the commitment of the United Nations to the people of Sri Lanka during this
major disaster and to rally donors to support and expand ongoing national
efforts to respond to the growing humanitarian needs.
The United Nations and humanitarian partners are
supporting the Government of Sri Lanka to provide critically needed emergency
supplies such as safe drinking water, food, sanitation and emergency shelter,
and will launch a Flash Appeal for emergency funds on 20 January.
The floods, which may have destroyed at least
half of the season’s harvest in the eastern province, will also have a severe
impact on agricultural livelihoods in a region still suffering the effects of
the 2004 tsunami and recovering from the decades-long conflict.
During her mission, Ms. Bragg will visit the
north of the country where thousands have returned following the end of the
conflict, as well as visit the worst-flood affected areas in the east.
She will also meet representatives from the
Government, donors, and aid agencies. Ends/.
National Green Jobs Conference to be held in Colombo, 24th - 25th January 2011
Colombo 18 January 2011 : The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Ministries of Labour and Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion, is organizing a two-day National Conference on Green Jobs from 24-25 January 2011. The conference, “Green Jobs: The Way Forward”, will discuss ways of supporting environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and development, and the creation of more green jobs.
Sri Lanka already advocates actively about climate change issues internationally. Moving the Sri Lankan economy onto an environmentally sustainable and low carbon development path will change the socio-economic structures of the country and trigger labour market shifts. This will include the creation of new job opportunities, creating demand for new skills and re-skilling programmes, as well as specific measures to facilitate a just transition for workers, employers and enterprises.
Key agenda issues will include the employment and labour market implications of environment-related measures, the potential for green jobs in Sri Lanka’s policy framework, the transition to more sustainable economic and social models, and sectoral discussions on renewable energy, waste management, eco-tourism and green manufacturing. More than 100 participants are expected, representing government departments and institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, private sector leaders, NGOs, and research institutes.
The conference also aims to identify existing government policies that could promote the creation of green jobs in Sri Lanka and facilitate a smooth transition to a low-carbon, environmentally-friendly economy for enterprises and workers.
The conference will also see the launch of the ILO’s new Green Jobs Project in Sri Lanka. The project seeks to deepen the commitment of ILO constituents to gender-sensitive green jobs opportunities and their understanding of a just transition for workers and employers to low-carbon, climate resilient, environmentally friendly development.
The green jobs initiative was established as a partnership between the ILO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2007. The International Organization of Employers joined in 2008. It is part of the ILO’s work to respond to climate change by realizing the potential for green jobs and supporting a positive labour market transition. Green jobs also contribute to low-carbon development and reducing the environmental impact of enterprises and economic activity, ultimately to levels that are sustainable.
The ILO’s Green Jobs Project is being implemented in five countries in Asia (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines) between 2010–2012, with financial support from the Australian Government, under the ILO-Australia Partnership Programme. The project will contribute directly to national programmes and initiatives on climate change, the environment and recovery from the global economic and jobs crisis.
In Sri Lanka, the project will include research on linkages between the environment, employment and the economy; training and awareness-raising programmes to address the needs of social partners (employers and trade unions) and a demonstration project for the creation of green and decent jobs.
The ILO’s tripartite constituents (governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations) are the key group targeted by the Project. Using social dialogue, the project will mainstream green jobs and related policies into Sri Lanka’s Decent Work Country Programme. It will also target some specific economic sectors to shift to a climate-resilient economy, which would help accelerate job recovery, reduce social gaps, and realize decent work.
For further information please contact: Ms. Charmalee Jayasinghe National Project Coordinator (Green Jobs) ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives 202 & 204 Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7 Tel : + 94 11 2592525 (Ext : 315) Email : charmalee@ilo.org Web : www.ilo.org/colombo
Mr. Rasika Somaweera Programme Assistant ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives 202 & 204 Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7 Te l : + 94 11 2592525 (Ext : 298) Email : rasika@ilo.org Web : www.ilo.org/colombo
Deputy Emergency
Relief Coordinator Travels to Sri Lanka
WHO: The United Nations Assistant Secretary
General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Catherine
Bragg will arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 19 January 2011.
WHAT: This the first visit of the Deputy
Emergency Relief Coordinator to Sri Lanka. During her three day mission, Ms
Bragg will meet representatives from the Government, donors, and aid agencies.
She will visit flood-affected areas, as well as areas in the north where
thousands of people have returned and are slowly rebuilding their lives since
hostilities ended in 2009.
WHEN: 19 - 21 January 2011
WHY: The
purpose of Ms. Bragg’s mission is to highlight all humanitarian needs in Sri
Lanka, and the United Nations ongoing commitment in providing humanitarian
relief and assistance, and for advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable
people.
During the visit the UN will also launch a Flash Appeal for emergency
funds to respond to the flood crisis.
UN
continues to support flood-stricken people
(Colomb 14
January 2011) - The United Nations (UN) continues to support the Government of
Sri Lanka to help over a million flood-affected people. In recent days the affects
of the North-East monsoons caused severe flooding in the eastern, central and
north central parts of the country.
More than
350,000 people in 11 districts of the country are displaced across hundreds of
temporary relocation centers, with thousands of houses destroyed in full or
part. The waters have damaged over 200,000 acres of agricultural lands.
“Our UN team
is geared up to support the Sri Lankan Government to respond to the increasing
humanitarian needs”, says Neil Buhne, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
in country. “We will make every effort to mobilize resources to support the
people of Sri Lanka.”
An emergency
Flash Appeal will be launched by the UN in the coming days to seek millions of
dollars to meet life-saving needs. “I urge donors to generously support
priority needs such as mosquito nets, clean water and food”.
In the longer
term, more support will be needed to replant inundated fields and boost lost
livestock.
Amidst access limitations, WFP has distributed
145 MT of food to date in support of 170,000 people in Batticaloa. UNICEF will
purify two million liters of water and has released water tanks, tarpaulins,
bleaching powder, sleeping mats, buckets, soap and cooking pots as immediate
relief for thousands. WHO is utilizing US$ 13,500 to fund mobile medical clinic
operations and IOM is aiding the Health Ministry to ensure 24-hour emergency
referral services, transport for health staff to affected areas and logistical
support to district-level authorities to carry out public health programs.
UNFPA provided 2,900 maternity kits worth US$ 95,000 to safeguard the hygiene
of mother and newborn and over 10,000 hygiene packs consisting of sanitary
towels and other toiletries to maintain basic personal hygiene of women and
girls of reproductive age. ENDS/. Read more about floods in eastern Sri Lanka
Colombo, 13 January 2011 – The United Nations Country
Team is supporting the Government of Sri Lanka help over one million people affected
by the severe floods caused by torrential rains lashing the country in the last
few weeks.
The United Nations Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Neil Buhne says
that the UN team is supporting the Sri Lankan authorities in many ways to
respond to growing humanitarian needs.
The UN will launch an appeal for
emergency funds in the coming week, to meet the needs of communities. “We are
helping the Government to collect information on needs, which will be compiled into
a flash appeal, to rally donors to support and expand ongoing national efforts to
respond to important needs in flood-affected areas,” Buhne said. “We share the
strong concern over the immediate requirements of over one million affected,
especially the most vulnerable including children. He added that UN will also look at the longer
term effects from damage to agriculture, infrastructure and housing.
According to the Disaster
Management Centre (DMC), as of 13 January, a total of 1,081,819 persons (287,871 families) have been affected, with 23
deaths and 36 injured. A total of 325,348 persons (83,722 families) are displaced in 591 temporary
relocation centers in ten districts. Batticaloa reported the highest number of displaced
persons, 165,494 (42,295 families) housed in 275 temporary relocation centers.
The UN system is supporting the Disaster Management Center (DMC) led “rapid
assessment of the flood and landslide situation” in 14 affected districts
to determine the extent, and location of damages as well as immediate relief
needs. Relief missions continue to experience constraints due to poor accessibility
in flood‐affected areas. However initial findings indicate the
need for non-food items and drinking water. UN agencies continue responding with
a wide range of supplies.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing emergency
food assistance for some 400,000 flood-affected, totaling almost Rs. 55
million. The United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF) has made available fifty water tanks (1,000 liters capacity each),
water tablets able to purify two million liters of water, 7,000 tarpaulins,
bleaching powder, 7,000 sleeping mats, 3,000 buckets, 30,000 bars of soap and
cooking pots as immediate relief assistance. The World Health Program (WHO) is
funding the operation of mobile medical clinics by the Ministry of Health. WHO
has also supplied 60,000 water purification tablets and is working with the
Ministry medical teams to control possible outbreak of disease in affected
areas.
The United Nations agencies will
continue to assist the Government to respond to immediate needs based on
ongoing rapid assessments, and to help communities recover from the impact of
the flood once water recedes.End. /
For more information please contact: Carrie Howard – Information OfficerMobile: +94 77 2858 946, Office: +94 11 2580691 ext 414
Email: howard@un.org
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is
stepping up efforts to help an increasing number of Sri Lankan refugees who
want to return home.
“The number of refugees wanting to return home since the
end of the conflict in 2009 is clearly on the increase. In response, we have
streamlined our procedures and introduced some new measures to make the return
process quicker and easier,” said Michael Zwack, UNHCR’s representative in Sri
Lanka.
In 2010, the number of refugees UNHCR assisted to return
home to Sri Lanka jumped to 2,054 compared to 843 in 2009. Most of the
returnees came from refugee camps in Tamil Nadu in India, with several from
other countries such as Malaysia.In
addition to these assisted returns another 2,742 Sri Lankan refugees, who
returned to the country on their own accord, approached UNHCR’s offices in the
North for assistance.
UNHCR expects more refugees to voluntarily return in
2011. Many of these will come home with the agency’s help.
Under UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation assistance, refugees
are provided an air ticket home to Sri Lanka from India or other country of
asylum and they are assisted with documentation issues.Starting from 1 January, 2011, refugees
returning under UNHCR’s programme will also receive a standard reintegration
grant to help them restart their lives.
UNHCR meets returning refugees at the airport in Colombo
and provides them with a modest transport grant to help them get back to their
homes.
Once home, they can approach UNHCR offices in the north
to get a kit of basic household supplies. This assistance is only for refugees
returning through UNHCR’s facilitated programme.
According to the latest Indian government figures, as of
1 November 2010, there are 70,354 Sri Lankan refugees living in some 112 camps
in Tamil Nadu and 32,467 living outside the camps. In total there are
146,098 Sri Lankan registered refugees in 64 countries
including India, France, Canada, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia,
the United States and Italy.
END
For further information on these topics, please contact:
Sulakshani Perera
External Relations Assistant
UNHCR Colombo
Tel: +94 11 2 683968
pereras@unhcr.org
Government and UNICEF calls for more investment in Early
Childhood
COLOMBO, 14 December 2010 – The
National Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Week was launched by the
Ministry of Child Development & Women’s Affairs and UNICEF. The importance
of ‘investing in early childhood’ is the main focus of this year’s event.
In a special message to mark the
event, His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa said: “My government has
committed itself to give special attention to early childhood development
through establishing a separate Ministry for this work. I commend the
Children's Secretariat of the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs
for declaring a National Week to create awareness among the young and old on
Early Childhood Care and Development.”
The period of early childhood years
starting from conception till the age of eight is when the crucial physical,
cognitive, social and emotional development of a child takes place. Essential
support is required during this period to ensure that a child survives and
thrives.
“The earliest years of a child’s
life has a great impact on his or her immediate well-being and future” said
UNICEF Representative, Reza Hossaini. “Improving early childhood practices is
of fundamental importance as we strive to ensure children become healthy, happy
and productive members of society,” he said.
The ECCD week is being organized by
the Ministry of Child Development & Women’s Affairs in partnership with the
Ministries of Health and Education and UNICEF. “Through these early childhood
care and development drives, the assistance provided to improve the lives of
children is further reinforced,” said the Hon. Tissa Karalliyedda, Minister for
Child Development and Women’s Affairs.
The National event aims to increase
awareness of the need to have quality services, encourage greater investment,
share best practices and reach a common understanding of the expectations and
future plans for ECCD in the country.
*** For more information please contact: Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs
Aruna Athukorala
Assistant Director Children’s Secretariat
Ph: 071 815 6403
UNICEF
Suzanne Davey
Communication Officer,
Ph: 077 316 5378
World Bank Group Managing Director to Visit Sri Lanka
The World Bank Group’s Managing Director Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
will arrive Friday for an official two day visit to Sri Lanka. During her stay,
she will be meeting with senior government officials and visiting the World
Bank Group’s supported projects. Her trip coincides with a new era of
development in Sri Lanka as it embarks on an ambitious new course towards a
middle income country in lasting peace.
“The World Bank has been an active partner in supporting Sri Lanka in
its transition from a low income country in conflict to a middle income country
in peace,” said Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. “The post-war
environment provides an opportunity to build on our relationship to support the
government’s vision to firmly establish the country’s place in the ranks of
fast growing middle income countries.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will be visiting World Bank Group
supported projects in Eastern Sri Lanka aimed at increasing opportunities and
enhancing economic growth and development. Her visits will include projects
assisting with higher education, employment generation for vulnerable groups,
small and micro enterprise development and increasing computer use and
literacy.
“Seeing these projects will allow me to gain a firsthand perspective on
Sri Lanka’s development aspirations as well as the challenges the country faces,”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said.
She will be meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa,
policy makers and senior officials including Central Bank Governor
Ajith Nivard Cabraal along with members of the media. Dr.
Okonjo-Iweala will also deliver a speech at the Central Bank of Sri
Lanka to mark the 60th anniversary of its founding.
“During these meetings, I hope to understand how the Bank can best
assist Sri Lanka during this period of transition. As a trusted knowledge
partner for over 50 years, the World Bank looks forward to building upon this
established collaboration and to continue supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitious
development agenda.” said Dr. Okonjo-Iweala.
Since the World Bank Group’s first development credit to Sri Lanka for the
Aberdeen – Laksapana Power Project in 1954, the institution has become one of
Sri Lanka’s largest development partners. It has worked closely to support the
country’s progress in infrastructure, education, health, and environmental
protection. It is currently supporting the implementation of 17 projects
totaling US$1.25 billion in assistance aimed at maximizing impact and results.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a national of Nigeria, was formerly the
Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the first female Minister of Finance and
Economy for Nigeria. Economic growth rates tripled during her time as Finance
Minister and she has garnered international recognition for improving Nigeria’s
financial stability and fostering greater fiscal transparency to combat
corruption.
For more information about World Bank activities in Sri Lanka, visit www.worldbank.lk
European Union and United Nations "Renewing Hope – Rebuilding Lives"
COLOMBO, 06 December 2010: The European Union and the United Nations are launching today a documentary featuring joint co-operation projects carried out in Sri Lanka. The two organisations have not only co-operated successfully in completing a wide range of projects covering various sectors in the areas of rehabilitation, reconstruction and development assistance but have also succeeded in meeting short and long term needs of the people of Sri Lanka.
The European Union and the United Nations have been working together in Sri Lanka over many years supporting diverse sectors including infrastructure, shelter, education, livelihoods, water and sanitation, environment, health and food security in close collaboration with the Sri Lankan authorities.
The European Union and its 27 member countries jointly make the largest contribution to the UN system, funding almost 40% of its regular budget. The partnership between the EU and the UN is particularly dynamic in Sri Lanka where the European Union has contributed over EUR 82 million (USD 112 million) in grants to the United Nations in the last 5 years for emergency relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation activities and development projects in the country.
On behalf of the EU, Mr Dirk Meganck, Asia Director of the Europeaid Office, currently visiting Sri Lanka said “the EU and UN have not only supported Sri Lanka during times of difficulty and war but will continue to assist the country in its post conflict development as the joint partnership between the two organisations has proved to be successful”.
The major part of the European Union’s post-Tsunami grant funding for reconstruction to Sri Lanka was managed through the UN to rebuild the Tsunami stricken district of Ampara in particular, while extending support to the districts of Matara, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna as well.
Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator said that by working together the effect of the EU/UN work is greater than the sum of its individual parts. “The combination of a strong UN experience and partnership with local authorities, and communities, with key EU inputs on project design, monitoring and funding, is producing results with a lasting impact. We hope this successful partnership can be extended and have a similar impact on other communities".
Hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans who were affected by the Tsunami as well as the conflict have benefited from these joint interventions, which have not only provided them with homes, schools, medical services, better road access, agricultural inputs and waste management systems, but has also improved living standards by generating employment and providing skills training. Under their current co-operation the EU and UN aim to continue providing longer term assistance through interventions including mine risk education, reconstruction of health and education facilities, improvement of water and sanitation and support to livelihood development.
At a global level the European Union and the United Nations are natural partners responding to crises, challenges and threats, working together on the basis of their operation systems founded on universal rules and values. The two organisations co-operate on a broad range of areas, such as development, addressing climate change, peace building, humanitarian assistance, fighting corruption and crime, global health concerns such as AIDS/HIV, and labour issues and culture.
The European Union and the United Nations look forward to implementing future projects and programmes guided by the country's development programmes in a post conflict Sri Lanka, with the aim of providing a significant contribution to rebuilding the lives of people through renewed hope. Ends./
For more information please contact: Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Sandali Wijayatilake Press & Information Officer Tel: + 94 112674413, + 94 777 866636 Email: delegation-sri-lanka@ec.europa.eu Web: www.dellka.ec.europa.eu
United Nations Sri Lanka Mohan Samaranayake National Information Officer Tel: + 94-0-11-2580691 - 8 E mail: info.lk@undp.org Web: www.un.lk
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2010
Message by Juan Somavia
Director-General of the International Labour Office
on the occasion of
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today, we focus on
"Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium
Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond".
Too often, stigmatization
and discrimination close the doors of opportunity to people with disabilities.
They come to be defined by their disability; not their capacity; they are
thought of in terms of cost, not productivity; subjects for charity, not agents
of change.
People with disabilities
are commonly among the poorest of the poor, trapped in a “vicious circle” of
poverty. In turn poverty can be a causal factor of disability.
Disability for the majority
means exclusion from mainstream social, economic and political life, including
exclusion from the world of work.
Yet decent work is the
sustainable route out of poverty and an integral component of sustainable
development.
Globally, one in ten people
– some 650 million – has a disability. Four fifths live in developing
countries. About 82 per cent live below the poverty line. Of the nearly 450
million disabled women and men of working age, the vast majority are
unemployed. Mounting evidence points to the high economic costs of excluding
people with disabilities from the world of work – the ILO has recently
estimated that the cost of such exclusion can range from 3 to 7 per cent of a country's
GDP.
Men and women, enterprises,
societies and economies stand to benefit from decent work strategies: it is
time to focus on opening up opportunities for decent work for all if poverty is
to be significantly reduced and eventually eradicated – including among people
with disabilities.
Starting from the objective
of realizing respect for basic human rights and drawing on international labour
standards, strategies for employment promotion must be accompanied by a
commitment to policies and action that empower and enable people with
disabilities to access employment opportunities – from skills development and
self-employment to awareness-raising that can break down the prejudices that
impede effective participation.
As do all workers, people with disabilities
also need a buffer of social protection. And organization and participation in
social dialogue enable people with disabilities to become active agents in
changing their future through the world of work.
This is the ILO’s Decent
Work approach to disability.
On this Day, the ILO
commits to continue working with stakeholders to put the Decent Work approach
at the service of the realization of the MDGs and disability inclusive
strategies for sustainable development. As a member of the UN family we are
pleased to do our part to follow up the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities and to support the related Strategy and Plan of
Action for the UN system.
UNHCR donates
vehicles for North Resettlement Activities
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|
COLOMBO, 01 December 2010: Seven vehicles donated by
UNHCR to assist resettlement activates in the North were ceremonially handed
over to Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, MP Minister of Economic Development and Chairman
of the Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security in
the Northern Province at the Presidential Secretariat today.
"We hope these vehicles will help the local
authorities carry out their work to help the returned displaced people in their
areas," said UNHCR's Deputy Representative Jennifer Pagonis as she handed
over the vehicles to Minister Rajapaksa.
These vehicles are for the use of the two District
Secretaries and five Divisional Secretaries in Kilinochchi & Mullaithivu
Districts.
Also present at the handing over ceremony were
Mr. Neil Buhne United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri
Lanka, Mr. Laurent Raguin, Senior Programme officer of UNHCR, Mr. S.B.
Divaratne Secretary to the Presidential Task Force and several others.
Cricket unites for people living with HIV on World Aids Day
Share| Players
to wear red ribbons in key international matches to encourage fans to Think
Wise
DUBAI,
29 November 2010 - International cricket will show its support for
people living with HIV and AIDS this week with leading players wearing red
ribbons on their playing shirts in international matches to help celebrate
World Aids Day as part of the Think Wise partnership.
Players and match officials will wear red ribbons in the ODI matches being
played on 1 December (Wednesday) between Bangladesh-Zimbabwe, India-New Zealand
and Sri Lanka-West Indies, as well as on the opening day of the Ashes Test
match between Australia and England on 3 December (Friday). Further activities
are also being held in South Africa.
In addition, Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralidaran will travel to Papua New
Guinea this week to help take part in a variety of education and fundraising
activities promoting World Aids Day.
Sri Lanka captain and Think Wise champion Kumar Sangakkara believes it is vital
that cricketers show their support for the Think Wise initiative, a joint
partnership between the ICC, UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Global Media AIDS
Initiative that has been running since 2003.
The initiative aims to raise awareness around HIV prevention and eliminate discrimination
against people living HIV and AIDS.
“It is very important because many people living with HIV live in
cricket-playing countries. It is something that you cannot escape, no matter
where we play and the lack of awareness and low sense of risk are some of the
factors that contribute to high risk taking, making particularly young people
in the 15-24 year age group vulnerable to infection,” said Sangakkara.
“This lack of awareness is compounded by the discrimination that those living
with HIV and AIDS undergo. It is therefore important to create awareness to
stop the spread of the virus while also curbing discrimination and as
international cricketers we can help to achieve this objective.
“The red ribbon that we wear symbolises our support for the cause to help those
living with HIV and AIDS to live a full and productive life in society without
giving up hope. It is a disease that we should fight by understanding how it
spreads and encouraging people to talk about things like sexuality in their homes,”
added the Sri Lanka captain.
A new UNAIDS report shows that the world is beginning to reverse the spread of
HIV. New HIV infections have fallen by nearly 20% in the last 10 years,
AIDS-related deaths are down by nearly 20% in the last five years, and the
total number of people living with HIV is stabilising.
The report gives new evidence that investments in HIV prevention are producing
significant results in many of the highest burden countries. Despite these
gains, an estimated 2.6 million people became newly infected with HIV and 1.8
million people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2009, and 33.3 million
people were estimated to be living with HIV.
The focus for the Think Wise campaign for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup
2011 will be ‘Get the Facts, Protect Yourself’. The campaign will encourage
young people to be informed, take appropriate action to prevent HIV infection
and stand together against stigma and discrimination often facing people living
with HIV and AIDS.
Players will also wear red ribbons in important matches at the ICC Cricket
World Cup 2011, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, also a Think Wise champion, is delighted
that that cricket will continue to show its public support for people living
with HIV, particularly at the sport’s flagship event.
“You only have to look at the statistics to understand why I am passionate, as
the captain of South Africa, to raise awareness about HIV.
“Two million people die of AIDS-related deaths each year and nearly
three-quarters of them come from Sub-Saharan Africa. These are people who watch
me play cricket on television, support me in the stadium and this makes it all
seem very real to me,” said Smith
“If I can use my position as international cricketer to deliver important
social messages, such as encouraging young people to use protection and wear a
condom, and reduce the number of new infections then it is something that I am
happy to do.
“By wearing a red ribbon we are sending a message to the millions of fans
across the world that you shouldn’t discriminate against people living with
HIV,” he added.
For more information, please contact:
Amy Farkas, UNICEF Sport for Development Specialist atafarkas@unicef.org
Launch of
the 2010 to End Sexual Harassment in Public Transport
International Day for
the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of
Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 2010 Campaign
of the Forum against GBV will be launch on 25th November 2010,
International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in front of the
Fort Railway Station at 9.00 AM. Official from the Police, Transport sector
will be addressing the public at the launch.
The focus of the
2010 Campaign of the Forum against GBV is to end sexual harassment in public
bus transport. The campaign theme is “STOP Sexual Harassment in
Public Transport.”
In Sri Lanka sexual harassment in public transport is a grave problem
that affects many women and girls. Given the severity of this problem in all parts of Sri Lanka the
Forum decided to focus its 2010 campaign on building public awareness against
sexual harassment in public (bus) transport island wide and in particular on
the 138 bus route from Homagama to Fort as this is a very popular route
accessed by many who use public bus transport.
In this respect the Forum is
working with the police stations that address complaints on the 138 bus route
and bus conductors/ drivers of 138 buses. The campaign is also supported by the
Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Western Province Provincial Road Passenger
Transport Authority, the National Transport Commission and the media. Stickers
with messages to end sexual harassment in public transport will be pasted in
buses and public places island wide. Bus shelters in front of the Fort railway
station will be branded also branded with the same message. The 2010 Campaign
of the Forum will be launched outside the Fort Railway station on 25th
November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
and the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
We invite you
to support this campaign.
Be part of this change – STOP Sexual
Harassment in Public TransportForum against GBV
COLOMBO, 18 November 2010 – Marking the 21st anniversary of the Convention
on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Youth Affairs Ministry and UNICEF joined
hands in a 50 million rupee project to help develop skills and provide
employment opportunities for youth in conflict affected areas.
More than 850 youths, including
those released from rehabilitation centres, will benefit from vocational
training courses and on-the-job training in their chosen field.
Speaking about the project the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Vocational Training Authority,
Dhammika Hewapathirana said: “We are thankful to UNICEF for their collaboration
on this initiative which will help the reintegration of children and youth in
the north”.
Career guidance and psychosocial
support will also be provided as part of the project and special priority will
be given to girls and women and those with disabilities.
“This project will give hope and
open new opportunities to the most vulnerable youth in the north,” said UNICEF
Representative, Reza Hossaini.
Owing to the conflict, recruitment
by armed groups, and displacement, many children and youth dropped out of
school and missed completing their formal education.
This initiative which will help
youth in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, was made possible through the
generous contributions of UNICEF France and the Governments of the United
Kingdom and Denmark.
Conceptualized by the Ministry of
Youth Affairs, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation and UNICEF, the project
will include the following components: Establishment of muti-tech vocational
training centres; 9 vocational training courses; 14 short courses; Career
guidance; On-the-job training and trade certificates; Psychosocial support; and
Study materials, monthly allowances and transportation.
The CRC was signed by the Government
of Sri Lanka in 1990 and was later ratified in July 1991.
***
For more information please contact:
Mr. C. R. Samaraweera
Assistant Director
Vocational Training Authority
Ph: 071 826 9032
Suzanne Davey
Communication Officer
UNICEF
Ph: 077 316 5378
Government and UNICEF Television Advert wins a Sumathi Award
Campaign to stop the recruitment of children as child
soldier’s recognized at national television awards.
COLOMBO, 27 October 2010 – The
Ministry of Justice and UNICEF communication campaign to prevent the
recruitment of children as child soldiers won a Sumathi award at the recent
star studded event at the Sugathadasa stadium. The ‘Bring Back the Child – Stop
Child Recruitment’ television spot grabbed a special award under the category
of social responsibility.
The television advert was part of a Government and UNICEF
national communication campaign launched by His Excellency the President
Mahinda Rajapaksa in February 2009.
“The ‘Bring Back the Child’ campaign reinforces the
government’s zero tolerance policy on the recruitment of children by armed
groups” said Suhada Gamalath, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice. ‘The
campaign promoted the release of such children and complemented the efforts of
Government to rehabilitate and reintegrate children back into community life’
he said.
Speaking on the award, UNICEF Representative Reza Hossaini
says: “By demobilizing the former child combatants, these children have now
been given a second chance to rebuild their lives. This is a great recognition
of the joint partnership of the Government of Sri Lanka and UNICEF”.
The ‘Bring Back the Child’ campaign was created by
advertising agency Leo Burnett Solutions. The campaign, which included
television, radio, press, billboards and other publicity material, had several
aims;
- To build awareness among the
public that child recruitment is a penal code offence and has grave
consequences on the survival, growth and development of children.
-
To motivate all those directly or indirectly involved in the recruitment of
children to desist from recruitment and release all children.
-
To influence children and make them aware of the dangers and impact of
recruitment on their future as adults.
Since 2002, UNICEF in collaboration with Government has
succeeded in reintegrating approximately 3,500 children formerly associated
with armed groups, while involving many more in different community activities.
Regular follow up and social work support are provided to children who have
returned to their communities. With the end of the conflict the recruitment of
children has now ceased.
***ENDS*** For more information;
24th October
2010
Vavuniya, Sri Lanka: More than
2,400 households and about 6,000 micro and small entrepreneurs stand to benefit
from a new a project launched today in Vavuniya by Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Minister
for Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion (MLR&PP).
The
three-year project, Local Empowerment through Economic Development (LEED) will
be jointly implemented by the MLR&PP
and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is funded by the Australian
Agency for International Development (AusAID), under the Australian Community
Rehabilitation Programme (ACRP). The ACRP programme aims to strengthen the capacity of local governance
structures and support them to adopt policies and development plans that
strengthen social cohesion; increase economic opportunities and ensure that
individuals and groups, particularly those who are marginalized, or excluded,
are able to fully participate in development; and empower critical actors at
the community level who will support and strengthen peace and development.
LEED
is an area-based economic development programme that aims to assist vulnerable
sectors through skills training and enterprise development in Vavuniya, Mannar
and Jaffna. It
works to improve local village economies by helping develop value chains or
forward and backward linkages that allow small and micro enterprises in
villages to work together and more efficiently. It will also work to revive
some small and medium enterprises affected by the war, by training apprentices
and conducting productivity studies.
Launching
the project, Hon. Gamini Lokuge announced that the first workshop for local project
partners will take place on Tuesday, 26th October in Vavuniya. On
Wednesday 27th October, participatory planning meetings will take
place in two villages in North Vavuniya, to consult
target groups about training programmes that will lead to the creation of group
enterprises.
At least six projects are planned, benefiting at least 60 beneficiaries,
during the period October – December 2010.
A
four-day practical training seminar on preparing enterprise plans will also be
held in Vavuniya North, from 9-12 of November. The seminar will involve at
least 15 women who already have some commercially-useful skills but need to
learn about small and micro-enterprise planning and management.
After
training, the project participants will be given start-up tools and basic
equipment so that they can start their enterprises, the Hon. Minister added.
LEED
will introduce new, empowering, instruments and systems for planning, project
delivery and post-project follow-up.These will be shared with local government agencies and training
providers to build up their long-term capacity.
Implementing
all these interventions in a synchronized manner in the district will have a
profound impact on the local economy, will raise income levels, reduce
vulnerability and create opportunities for all.
United Against Hunger – Sri
Lanka celebrates World Food Day 2010
Every
year on 16 October, World Food Day is observed around the world to celebrate
the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) as well as to increase awareness and focus attention on topical issues
concerning the world’s food supply.
The 30th World Food Day theme
for 2010 is “United against Hunger”, recognizing and encouraging
efforts in the fight against world hunger at national, regional and
international levels. Being ‘united
against hunger’ becomes real when state, civil society organizations and the private
sector work in partnership at all levels to defeat hunger, extreme poverty and
malnutrition. Increasing partnerships and emphasizing more collaboration at the
local level can play an important role in directing global efforts to reach the
first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) –which calls for halving the number of
hungry people in the world by 2015.
FAO and
the World Food Programme (WFP) joined hands with the Ministry of Agriculture to
mark World Food Day in Sri Lanka on Saturday the 16th.. Hundreds of
farmers took part in an ‘Awareness Walk’ in Kandy followed by the official
ceremony under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mahinda Yapa
Abeywardena. Others present at the ceremony included high level government
officials, farmers, school children, officials from NGOs and private sector
partners. The seminar covered key messages from the FAO Representative, the WFP
Country Director, and other high level government officials. A food
demonstration and the cultural event added further interest and diversity to
the event.
Supporting
the agriculture sector and enhancing self sufficiency in national food
production levels are key priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka.
During
the past year when peace was finally established in Sri Lanka, WFP continued to
be an active partner with the Government to provide food to the hundreds of
thousands of displaced people in the welfare camps and then further food
support as families return home to re-build their lives. As families return
to their farms, both WFP and FAO have been providing agriculture support with
the Government to enable farmers to re-establish their agriculture based
livelihoods.
For the current maha season in the north, FAO (with
multiple donor support) is assisting the Government to bring over 130,000 acres
of previously abandoned land back into production while supporting livelihoods
of some 50,000 returnee families. In the east, abandoned irrigation tanks
and farm lands are being brought back into production with some 20,000 formerly
displaced families. At the local and central levels, FAO is working with
the Department of Agriculture to strengthen extension support services to
farmers and to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.
WFP
is now actively working with the Government of Sri Lanka to help improve the
nutritional well-being, and reduce the rates of malnutrition of food insecure
people in the country. Together, FAO and WFP are playing a key role in
the transition from humanitarian to early recovery assistance in the North and
East, and will continue to work closely to support with Government to address
the needs of the people.
International Day for
the Eradication of Poverty 2010 From Poverty to Decent Work: Bridging
the Gap
COLOMBO, 14th October 2010 – The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October stresses on the importance of decent and productive work as one of the most effective ways to fight poverty and build self-sufficiency. The United Nations calls on all nations to strive in expanding job opportunities and safe working conditions for all.
This year’s theme – from poverty to decent work: bridging the gap, focuses on decent work, meaningful employment, income-generating livelihoods or in one word: jobs. This is more important now than ever, when the global economic crisis has pushed an estimated 64 million people into poverty and unemployment is up more than 30 million since 2007. More than half of the worlds’ working population continue to be in vulnerable employment, where they lack formal working arrangements and social security, and often earn little to provide for their families.
In Sri Lanka, the recent progress report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) shows substantial progress in the achievement of the MDG goals, particularly in reducing poverty from 26.1 per cent in 1990/91 to 15.2 per cent in 2006/07. However, the report highlights a range of inequities, one of the most apparent being the labour force participation rate. Sri Lanka records the twentieth largest gap in labour force participation between the sexes.
The Secretary General in his message on this day also emphasises on youth employment. Youth are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. “One of the best ways for youth to see a future of hope is through the prism of a decent job, adds Mr. Ban-Ki-Moon. In Sri Lanka too, although unemployment levels halved during the past decade particularly among young people, their unemployment rate was eight times higher than that for adults in 2008.
Therefore, in bridging the gap from poverty to decent work, now is the time to review and invest in economic and social policies that foster job creation; promoting decent labour conditions and deepening social protection systems.
***
For more information please
contact:
Mr Mohan Samaranayake, National Information Officer United Nations Information
Centre Tel: 2580791/0777646241
More than just a day for Sri Lanka’s children 20,000 children across the country
celebrate safe hand-washing
COLOMBO, 15 October
2010 –
Sri Lanka joins hands with the rest of the world in soaping up for the third
annual Global Handwashing Day. In broad partnership, the Ministries of
Education and Health are promoting hand-washing in schools across nine provinces
in the country in collaboration with UNICEF.
This
year the theme of Global Handwashing Day – more than just a day – aims to make
the simple, life-saving practice of washing hands with soap a regular habit
long after the sun sets on October 15. More than 20,000 school children will
participate in events island-wide promoting the practice of hand-washing with
soap as an integral part of daily life.
“Handwashing
with soap can play a critical role in reducing absenteeism among school
children,” says Ms. Renuka Peiris, Director of Education at the Ministry of
Education. “This habit will make them less vulnerable to diarrheal and acute
respiratory infections and help boost school retention,” she said.
Speaking
on the initiative, UNICEF Representative Reza Hossaini says: “Clean hands save
lives, we are promoting proper hygiene habits in partnership with the
Government to ensure better health for the nation’s children.”
Each
year, diarrhoeal diseases and acute respiratory infections are responsible for
the deaths of more than 3.5 million children in the world. Washing hands with
soap and water especially at the critical times -- after using the toilet and
before handling food -- helps reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal disease by
more than 40 per cent.
“This
is the most effective and in-expensive way to mitigate the risk of disease,
especially bowel diseases like dysentery, hepatitis and respiratory tract
infections” says
Dr.
Sarath Amunugama, Director Health Education Bureau at the Ministry of Health.
Globally
80 countries and more than 200 million children will mark the day through
events in schools and communities in an effort to curb disease, prevent death
and help children to grow and thrive.
***ENDS*** For more information; Log
onto www.globalhandwashingday.orgwww.unicef.org/srilanka/ Or please contact:
Mervyn Fletcher, Chief of Communication
- +94 777 236548, mfletcher@unicef.org, or
Suzanne Davey, Communication Officer - on +94 77 3165378, sdavey@unicef.org
Sri Lanka to launch its second Millennium
Development Goals Progress Report
It is now
nine years since the signing of the Millennium Declaration, through which world
leaders committed to achieve certain essential development targets called the Millennium
Development Goals (MDG), by the year 2015. Since this commitment Sri Lanka has
been doing its part to reach these targets. These efforts are reflected in Sri Lanka’s MDG
Progress Reports which have helped to monitor the country’s progress while
showing the way forward. Sri Lanka produced its first MDG Progress Report in
2005 and is now ready to launch its second Progress Report.
The launch
will be held on the 20th of September 2010, at the Cinnamon Grand
Hotel from 9 a.m. onwards, under the patronage of Hon. Dr. Sarath Amunugama,
Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. The report, which carries addresses
from H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the United Nations Resident
Representative, Neil Buhne, will be formally handed over to the Government on
this occasion.
The 20th
of September is also the date of the Global MDG Summit in New York, where
Sri Lanka will be represented by H.E. The President, who will be addressing the
global audience on the findings of this report and on Sri Lanka’s position on
the MDGs.
Sri Lanka as
a country is unique in its approach to human development. This uniqueness is
captured well in this report.Despite a
low GDP per capita indicator, Sri Lanka is in the forefront of the MDG agenda, having
already achieved several of the MDGs, especially in the health and education
sectors. In addition Sri Lanka has made great strides in the areas of poverty
alleviation, child and maternal mortality rates and gender equality.
In this new
era of peace, Sri Lanka now has an important opportunity to focus on its MDG
agenda. Despite the tremendous progress the country has made, several areas of
concern prevail, particularly concerning the development inequalities in the
various geographical regions of the country.
Sri Lanka’s
commitment to achieve the MDGs is at its highest level.The “Mahinda Chinthana: 10 year development
frame work” has clearly specified the Government’s commitment towards the
achievement of MDGs for all people in the country. This commitment needs the
support of the Sri Lankan public, whose contribution is essential in the
attainment of these goals. The MDG Progress Report plays a crucial role in this
aspect as it speaks not only of the progress made, but also of the challenges
that remain and of what more needs to be done to address these challenges.
Media Contact Persons
Communications
Officer, UNDP Sri Lanka Renu Warnasuriya (renu.warnasuriya@undp.org)
Youth for Peace and
Development - International Day of Peace 2010
Colombo, 17
September 2010– Today the United
Nations family in Sri Lanka observes the International Day of Peace commonly
known as “Peace Day”.
Each year on 21st September the UN
makes a global call to individuals, organizations, and nations to engage in
practical acts for peace including ceasefire, demonstration of commitments to
non-violence, and embracing and celebrating diversity. The day was established
in 1981 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
Every year on Peace Day, the Peace Bell is rung
at UN Headquarters in New York.The bell
is cast from coins donated by children from all continents.The inscription on its side reads “Long live
absolute world peace”.The bell is a
gift from Japan to the United Nations.
This year, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
dedicates the day to youth under the theme: “Peace, Youth, and Development”
with a slogan “Peace = Future”.
Youth, peace and development are closely interlinked: Peace enables
development, which is critical in providing opportunities for young people,
particularly those in countries emerging from conflict, including Sri Lanka.
Healthy, educated youth are crucial to sustainable development and peace, and
an essential element for attaining the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
The United Nations was established in 1945 to
“to maintain international peace and security”.It was born on the ashes of World War II—the most devastating war in the
history of humanity. Since its creation, the UN has often been called upon to
prevent dispute from escalating into war, to serve as a buffer between hostile
parties, to persuade opposing parties to choose dialogue over violence. Over
the decades the UN has been in the frontline of peacekeeping, peacemaking, and
peacebuilding, successfully fielding missions in El Salvador, Guatemala,
Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tajikistan,
and East Timor among others.
No other
institution has the global legitimacy, multilateral experience, competence,
coordinating ability and impartiality that the UN brings in support of these
tasks.
The end of the long running conflict in Sri
Lanka presents the greatest opportunity in three decades for justice, peace,
and prosperity for the country.The UN
Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator for Sri Lanka Neil Buhne in his peace day
message said, “the UN family and Sri Lanka have been partners for over 60
years. We will continue to help Sri Lanka as best we can in its promising but
complex search for sustainable peace and development.” He added, “although most
of the efforts by UN teams during last year focused on helping to meet urgent
needs of displaced and recently returned people, we are doing more than
this.”UN agencies work together with
the Government and Sri Lankans to help people improve their lives, and utilize
global experience and resources to do this while catalyzing the vast and
competent resources in Sri Lanka to drive the process. Mr. Buhne concluded his
message by emphasizing that “sustainable peace is anchored on the key pillars
of democracy, human development, good governance and gender equality”.Ends.
For more information please contact:
Samuel
Doe – Development and Reconciliation Advisor
Mobile: +94 771153025, Office: +94 11 2580691
ext 345 Email: samuel.doe@one.un.org
Mohan
Samaranayake - National Information Officer
Mobile: +94 77 7646241 Office: +94 11 2580791 ext 207 Email:
mohan.samaranayake@undp.org
UN facilitates donor visits to the Eastern Province
Colombo, 13 September 2010 - The United Nations this week facilitates a visit of representatives from six donor agencies to the Eastern Province as part of the UN’s continuing attention to post-conflict challenges facing the country.
The donors will visit communities in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during their three-day visit. The mission will hold meetings with government and elected representatives in the districts, and is scheduled to visit the areas where people who fled their homes during the conflict are being resettled with assistance from the government, the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
The visit will allow representatives of the donor community to have a first-hand look at the impact that their support has had on the lives of communities, and to explore ways in which the international community could contribute to the recovery process through a combination of assistance ranging from support to livelihoods and housing to strengthening the capacity of local government administration to coordinate and manage the recovery effort as well as initiatives to promote community harmony. Ends./
For more information please contact: Tom Hockley – Senior Coordination Advisor Mobile: +94 77 3444 155, Office: +94 11 2580691 ext 157 Email: tom.hockley@one.un.org
(Colombo, 26 August 2010): The United Nations Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Neil Buhne reiterated the urgent need to stay the course in helping displaced persons and returned communities when briefing donors assisting the work of humanitarian organizations supporting Sri Lanka’s national efforts.
“The job is not yet done. It is still a critical period and we ask for your continued support to meet the remaining crucial needs” Buhne said. He also stressed that the effectiveness of assistance during this period will affect both the people directly and Sri Lanka’s overall development. “The welfare of the returned people, is an important element in reconciliation and ultimately, sustainable peace and development”.
There has been substantial progress over the last months and since late 2009, approximately 200,000 people have returned to their villages in the North. Although a declining number of IDPs [Internally Displaced Persons] are with host families, it is estimated that 70,000 remain displaced or are in transit sites near their home areas. Less than 35,000 IDPs remain in emergency sites.
Notable contributions to humanitarian efforts come from demining actors of both government, and national and international agencies, who have cleared and released land, paving the way for the resettlement of the displaced. A shelter grant of US$ 220 (LKR 25,000) per family has been received by 55,000 families along with an equal number of non-food item kits. Four thousand permanent homes are under construction and a further 50,000 is pledged by the Indian Government.
So far in 2010, over 30,000 MT of food was provided to nearly 750,000 beneficiaries in the North who are reliant on food assistance. However, rebuilding livelihoods and agricultural productivity remains a common goal. Some 24,000 households have received poultry and seeds, water pumps and crop sprayers to support the ongoing Yala season cultivation of 10,600 acres. The upcoming Maha will target around 50,000 households and aims to cultivate 130,000 acres of abandoned land.
Combined efforts have ensured that over 300,000 people have had access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Common services such as health, nutrition and education have also made significant improvements in effort to normalize life in return areas and for those in camps.
Despite these real achievements, returned persons remain vulnerable, needing support until livelihoods are restored. Funding shortages have reduced the capacity to deliver immediate assistance to the residual camp population and returning communities. There are shortfalls for all sectors, but the largest are for work on Economic Recovery and Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation, Agriculture and Health. Although generous donations of about US$ 125 million have made these response operations possible, US$ 165 million more is needed to cover gaps for activities planned by the UN and humanitarian organizations during the remainder of 2010 in support of the national programmes.
Over the last year and a half, through a broad partnership in support of Sri Lankan national efforts, hundreds of thousands of people who had to flee from fighting to safety, were given humanitarian assistance. The RC/HC says “Difficult, hard, and urgent work was done.Lives were saved and people helped to get back their strength to rebuild lives”, he added “funding for this work came from the Government, people throughout Sri Lanka and from donor governments. However, as all of us know, there is much more to be done - recently returned people are still vulnerable”
End/
Japan, ADB Help Restore
Livelihoods of Families Affected by Sri Lanka Conflict
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan are
providing financial assistance to help Sri Lanka restore infrastructure and
provide livelihood training for thousands of internally displaced people who
are returning to their homes following the end of the country’s civil conflict.
The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, administered by ADB, is extending a $2.5 million grant
for a project that will provide cash-for-work and skills training for at least
2,500 families in five conflicted-affected districts in the north of the
country. It will assist in the rebuilding of about 100 kilometers of rural
access roads and 200 kilometers of field irrigation canals, and will complement
the separate ADB-assisted, Conflict Affected Region Emergency (CARE)
Project, which is also
helping to rehabilitate damaged and neglected infrastructure.
The 30-year war
between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in
the northern and eastern parts of the country forced tens of thousands of
people to flee their homes. With the end of the conflict in May 2009, those
displaced have started returning to their original areas of residence. However,
the damage to rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, has deprived
them of the means of earning a living.
“The project
provides opportunities for vulnerable groups in resettled areas to get
immediate income from the repair of damaged infrastructure, as well as skills
training for future livelihood activities,” said K. M. Tilakaratne, Senior
Project Implementation Officer in ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission.
The cash-for-work
program will provide jobs for about at least 2,500 resettled people to restore
and maintain irrigation systems and access roads in the districts of Jaffna,
Killinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya. A further 2,000 of these people
will get training in modern sustainable agricultural production practices, the
marketing of farm goods, food processing and other self-employment skills.
Selection for the two activities will be limited to one eligible male, or
female member of each resettled family.
The project has a
number of innovative features, with those in the cash-for-work program required
to open savings accounts and deposit 25% of their incomes for use in future
livelihood creation activities. Community-based organizations will be set up at
the resettlement villages to oversee the project, and since most villagers have
no experience with banks, they will hold savings passbooks over the course of
the program to ensure participants comply with the deposit requirement. At
least 50% or more of those selected for the work program and skills development
training will be women.
Along with the
Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction Grant, the Government of Sri Lanka will
provide assistance of $150,000, with communities making an in-kind contribution
of $137,500 for a total project cost of $2.78 million. The Ministry of Economic
Development is the executing agency for the project which will be implemented
over 30 months with an expected completion date of December 2012.
Colombo, Sri Lanka (19 August).Today the United Nations and the broader humanitarian community observed World Humanitarian Day in a ceremony at the UN compound. Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, attended on behalf of the Government and thanked the community for the support provided to Sri Lankans in need.
World Humanitarian Day was designated by the General Assembly in December 2008 ‘to remember the millions of people globally affected by natural disasters, war, sickness and malnutrition and those working to relieve their suffering’.
This year’s theme ‘We are humanitarian workers’ draws attention to the diversity of aid workers around the world and the humanitarian principles that frame the work done on behalf of those affected.‘It is important to improve awareness of and respect for the principles of humanitarian work, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence’, said Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Similar to other countries affected by natural disaster and conflict, Sri Lanka has faced many hardships. Over 35,000 lives were lost, while homes, livelihoods and infrastructure were devastated in the December 2004 tsunami. Additionally every year, thousands of Sri Lankans are affected by flooding caused by heavy monsoonal rains.
This year, Sri Lanka observes World Humanitarian Day with hope and expectation for a peaceful future. ‘We hope to reach a common final target where we all live in peace,’ noted Hon. Minister Rajapaksa in his address to the humanitarian community. He thanked donors and humanitarian workers for their generosity and support to return both the recent and long-term displaced.
World Humanitarian Day has its origins in Iraq where the UN office was bombed on 19 August 2003 and 22 people lost their lives. On this second annual World Humanitarian Day, we remember the many humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured in their line of work. Last year alone, 102 humanitarian workers around the world lost their lives, 278 were victims of serious security incidents and 92 were kidnapped in the course of their work.
Connecting People
to Prosperity and Improving Basic Services are key to Sri Lanka’s economic
prosperity, says World Bank
Colombo, August 9, 2010: Enabling people to seek economic opportunities,
improving the quality of basic services across all regions, and
targeting interventions to stimulate economic growth in selected lagging
areas can lead to rapid and geographically inclusive growth in Sri Lanka,
says a new World Bank report “Sri Lanka: Reshaping Economic
Geography: Connecting People to Prosperity.”
The report launched today uses the framework of World
Development Report 2009, “Reshaping Economic Geography.” Applying this
framework to the case of Sri Lanka, it identifies challenges and presents
policy options for economic integration using a calibrated combination of
institutional changes, infrastructure investments and other interventions.
“Sri Lanka’s development journey to
middle income statuscan still be
inclusive if people who start their lives in lagging regions of the country can
be connected to leading areas where there are economic opportunities,” says
Naoko Ishii, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “However,
targeted interventions aimed at simply relocating economic activities to
lagging areas can in reality slow down economic progress because workers and
firms earn higher returns when located close to the international gateway and
to similar businesses.”
The report shows that Sri Lanka’s economic
geography is being reshaped as land uses change to accommodate higher value
production, as people seek economic opportunities through both internal and
external migration, and as the country moves from specializing in primary
products to manufacturing.
While economic production has become
concentrated, Sri Lanka’s public policies have been remarkably successful in
leveling social welfare and preparing the ground for inclusive development.
Poverty has come down in all provinces and service delivery in education,
basic healthcare, and basic infrastructure including water and sanitation is
dispersed throughout the country.
“Sri Lanka needs to build on what has
already being achieved anddesign and implement more ambitious policies
to improve living standards across provinces,amplifying but not
dampening the processes of geographic transformation, ”says Somik V.
Lall, Co-author and Senior Economist, World Bank . “The need is to
prioritize how policies can be attuned to the scale of challenge of integration
facing different areas.”
Chapter one of the report looks at unbalanced
growth and inclusive development and examines the geography of production and
living standards. Presenting statistical data the report identifies the
need to reduce regional disparities in health and education outcomes to improve
human development outcomes. Despite the country’s laudable achievements
in delivering health and education services, gaps in geographical pockets and
vulnerable groups remain. While commending overall literacy and gender
equality, the report shows that there are large differences in learning
outcomes across regions.
Chapter two examines transformation of land use,
mobility of people, and flow of products that are the drivers of geographic
transformation. The focus is on identifying key constraints that impinge on the
fluidity in the markets for land, labor and products that restrict land use
change and workers access to economic opportunities and products traded across
locations. While identifying infrastructure as a key driver of transport
costs the report examines the high cost of transporting goods in Sri Lanka.
Insights are provided to understand how deregulation of the trucking industry
reduced costs in France. The report also looks at how internal migration
benefits lagging regions through remittances flow and a “wage-pull” effect, as
excess lower skilled labor in one area migrates to another.
Finally, Chapter three analyses and
uses data and poverty maps and stresses the importance of ensuring that basic
services are available everywhere; the need for improving infrastructure to
connect lagging and leading regions and the essential requirement of targeting
interventions in selected lagging areas. The report identifies
public policy priorities for improving living standards across different areas
and categorizes them as:
· Spatially blind policies of institutions that are not explicitly designed with spatial
considerations like the tax system, intergovernmental fiscal relations,
governance of land and housing markets as well as education, health care, basic
water and sanitation and other public service initiatives;
· Spatially connective policies refer to infrastructure investments such as basic
business service, public transportation and utilities such as interregional
highways, railroads to promote trade in goods and improving information
communication technologies to increase the flow of knowledge; and Spatially targeted policies to stimulate economic growth in lagging areas.
These measures include investment subsidies, tax rebates, local
regulations, local infrastructure development and targeted investment climate
reforms, such as special regulations for export processing zones.
In conclusion the report states that by making
efforts along these dimensions, policymakers can help in unifying Sri Lanka.
Although geography of production will get further unbalanced, the
geography of living standards will become more uniform. The hope is that this
transformation will lead to accelerated economic growth and enhanced social
harmony.
###
Colombo, 13 July 2010
- The European Union (EU), through its implementing partner the International
Organization for Migration (IOM), provides a new water supply system for the
community of Ihalagama, in the Ampara district under its Community Livelihood
Support Programme.
The
water supply system includes a water tank with a capacity of 60,000 liters and
a pipeline supply system providing water for a distance of 11.6 km from Medagama
to Ihalagama.
“Rocky
terrain and groundwater salinity in the area meant that historically the
Ihalagama community had great difficulty securing adequate water supplies for
household needs, let alone livelihood activities.”, says Nicola Rounce,
Programme Manager of the Community Livelihood Support Programme. “We are delighted
to have been able to alleviate such a significant lack with the provision of
this permanent supply system to the people of Ihalagama” Rounce adds.
The
water supply system, which covers the whole village and directly supports over
900 beneficiaries, was handed over to the Mahaweli Authority on Tuesday, July
13th 2010.
The EU funded IOM
implemented Community Livelihood Support Programme, operates in the Ampara district
and serves over a third of the district’s population. The programme primarily aims
to provide social development and livelihood support to communities that have
suffered the effects of the 2004 tsunami and the impact
from years of conflict.
__________________________ENDS______________________________________________ For more information contact Nicola Rounce, nrounce@iom.int, 0773184465, Duminda Perera, dperera@iom.int,
0772 518 770 , 063 222 4393 (Ext: 209), Or Passanna Gunasekera, 5325 300 (Ext 341),
pgunasekera@iom.int
Colombo, Wednesday
23 June – As India and Sri Lanka prepare for the Micromax Asia Cup
final - Captain of the Sri Lankan team Kumar Sangakkara and bowler Muthiah Murralitharan
took time off to speak to children from Matale, about good nutrition,
sanitation and girls' education.
"We
are very excited to lend our voices to this noble effort and create awareness
about what is happening to our children because we don't just care about
cricket, we are fathers, we are husbands, we are brothers and we really care
about our communities. This for us is the ultimate Hat Trick - it goes beyond
everything,” said Sangakkara.
Last
week at a joint press conference held by the Asian Cricket Council and UNICEF,
the captains of the four nations competing for the Micromax Asia Cup, endorsed
the Healthy Hat-Trick: invest in good nutrition, sanitation and girls’
education – three critical interventions to save children’s lives.
UNICEF
Sri Lanka Representative, Philippe Duamelle, said: “It was great to see Sri
Lanka’s Farveez Maharoof take the first Hat-Trick of the tournament. When it
comes to the Healthy Hat-Trick for children, Sri Lanka has made great progress
- investing in girls' education and sanitation, however, challenges in
nutrition still remain.”
The
ACC and UNICEF called on governments and communities to join the cricketers and
commit themselves to take bold action for children.
“Cricketers are not just
sportsmen. They are champions, champions for children, champions for change,”
said Syed Ashraful Huq, CE of ACC.
Three
million children under the age of five die in South Asia each year from
malnutrition and diseases related to poor sanitation. While educating girls is crucial
to the survival and health of children and families.
Sri Lankan Spinner Muttiah
Muralitharan speaks to children about the importance of good nutrition,
sanitation and girls education at the Dambulla stadium. UNICEF Sri Lanka/ Suzanne Davey
About UNICEF UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and
territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through
adolescence.The world’s largest
provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and
nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and
girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and
AIDS.UNICEF is funded entirely by the
voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and
governments.
About The ACC The Asian Cricket Council was founded in 1983 and is the leading
development body for cricket in Asia. Coaching programs, youth and senior
tournaments for men and women, infrastructure development and facilities
provision across its 22 members are funded by the revenues generated by the
biennial Asia Cup and the development fund of the International Cricket
Council.
For
more information:
UNICEF Sri Lanka:
Mervyn Fletcher, Chief
of Communications, mfletcher@unicef.org, +94 0777 236 548
Suzanne Davey, Communication
Officer, sdavey@unicef.org, +94773165378
Asian Cricket
Council:
Shahriar Khan,
Media Manager, media@asiancricket.org, +60125221568
UNICEF hands over new schools in Sri Lanka
Four hundred and twenty million Sri Lankan rupees invested in six schools in the east of the country
Share| COLOMBO, June 22, 2010 – UNICEF Sri Lanka handed over six new schools to local communities in eastern Sri Lanka during two days of official ceremonies.
The six schools represent a total investment of 420 million rupees (3.8 million US dollars) and will benefit thousands of pupils and families.
UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Philippe Duamelle said: "These schools represent hope for the communities after years of being blighted by the consequences of the 2004 tsunami and civil conflict. "UNICEF, in partnership with the Sri Lankan government, is committed to ensure every child has access to education this means addressing the needs of the more remote communities such as these."
The six schools form a ribbon along the east coast, in Ampara district. They are located in: Thirukovil, Sinnamugatuvaram, Kalmunai, Santhamaruthu, Maruthamuni, and Kalmunaikudy.
The school handing-over ceremonies were attended by pupils, teachers, parents, government and community dignitaries and the Provincial Minister of Education (Eastern Province). All were treated to performances of traditional Tamil dances, songs and marches by school bands.
Each school has been built to 'child-friendly school' specifications. This means a high quality of construction, separate toilets for boys and girls, hand-washing facilities, and access for children with special needs. UNICEF's investment in the schools also includes providing furniture and learning materials.
These schools are part of UNICEF's support for Sri Lanka in the continuing efforts to ensure the right of children to an education is fulfilled.
***ENDS*** For more information contact UNICEF Sri Lanka Chief of Communication Mervyn Fletcher on 0777 236548, mfletcher@unicef.org, or Communication Officer Suzanne Davey, on 0773165378, sdavey@unicef.org
Conference on zero worst forms of
child labour by 2016 – sharing experiences to achieve the goal
The
Government of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the International Labour Organization
(ILO) is inaugurating a conference on `zero
worst forms of child labour by 2016 – sharing experiences to achieve the goal’
today, with the launch of the Global Report on Child Labour.
More
than 450 delegates from 80 member states of the International Labour Organization,
meeting in The Hague on 10th and 11th May, agreed on a
global Roadmap aimed at ‘substantially increasing’ global efforts to eliminate
the worst forms of child labour by 2016.In response to this global commitment, during this Conference in The
Hague, the Sri Lankan government represented by Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Minister of
Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion, pledged to eliminate the worst
forms of child labour by 2016.
The
Government also presented a Road Map for the elimination of the worst forms of
child labour by 2016, which details a process of mainstreaming into State
interventions the prevention, withdrawal, rehabilitation and reintegration of
children who have been engaged in the worst forms of child labour. While the
lead ministry in this issue is the Ministry of Labour Relations and
Productivity Promotion, all stakeholder ministries, district secretaries,
provincial councils and law enforcement will need to come together in
partnership with the international community to eradicate this particular form
of abuse of Sri Lankan children.
Press Conference - Opening Remarks by B. Lynn Pascoe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
Colombo, 17 June 2010 - The Secretary-General asked me to
come here this week – my third visit in just over a year – to discuss a wide
range of issues with the leaders of Sri Lanka. I depart this evening confident
that the visit has strengthened our partnership with Sri Lanka.I appreciate the many useful discussions I
had both here in the capital and during a trip yesterday to the former war zone
in the North.
Just over a year has now passed since the end
of the armed conflict and since the Secretary-General’s visit in May 2009.That visit demonstrated the UN’s commitment
to work with Sri Lanka.The
Secretary-General’s joint statement with President Rajapaksa provided an
excellent framework for cooperation, focusing particularly on three key post war
challenges: the return and resettlement of IDPs, political reconciliation, and
human rights accountability.
I had a good meeting yesterday with President
Rajapaksa, and have also held discussions with the cabinet officials
responsible for foreign relations, defence, and economic development, as well
as the Attorney General.I have been
able to meet with leaders of the political opposition, Tamil and Muslim
representatives, civil society organizations including human rights and womens
groups, and with members of the diplomatic corps.
My trip yesterday to Mullaitivu District
provided a firsthand look at the continuing efforts to resettle the hundreds of
thousands of people who were forced to flee their homes during the
conflict.The United Nations agencies
and their dedicated staff, national and international, are playing a
significant part in that effort under the leadership of Resident Coordinator
Neil Buhne.They are working tirelessly
under difficult conditions to help the people of Sri Lanka normalize and
improve their lives.
I will report to the Secretary-General upon
return to NY, but let me now share with you some the key points I take away
from this visit:
First, the urgency of taking steps toward political
reconciliation.Bitterness and division
that took decades to accumulate will not dissolve overnight in Sri Lanka, but
now is the time to make major efforts to begin healing these wounds.The end of the conflict must be followed by a
political solution that addresses the issues and grievances that fuelled the
war.
The government has taken some measures to
indicate a shift from war footing to a peacetime mindset, and we encourage
further steps in that direction. The partial relaxation of emergency decrees
was an important action.Opportunities
could be taken to diminish the military presence in the former conflict areas. It
is also critical to safeguard the independence of institutions, freedom of the
press and the work of non-governmental organizations.This would send an important message.
A second priority is to successfully conclude
the resettlement process and to bring economic opportunity to the former war
zones in the North.The United Nations
appreciates the government’s efforts thus far, supported by the international
community.Much has been achieved in
moving people from the camps back home as well as improving the living
conditions of those who have returned.We also welcome the greater ease with which UN agencies and NGOs can now
work in the former conflict zones, and the important progress in clearing mines
from these areas.
In the areas of Mullaitivu I travelled to
yesterday, local officials were working energetically on behalf of the
returnees.Children are attending
school, and people have food and access to basic health care.One of the biggest concerns was the lack of
building materials and to reconstruct homes and repair roofs.Progress aside, approximately 60,000 people
remain in camps, and 90,000 with host families; it is important to ensure their
return takes place in dignified conditions.Much more work lies ahead.
A third issue covered in the joint statement is
accountability for the allegations of humanitarian and human rights violations
during the conflict.
Responsibility for carrying out a credible
process that meets international standards rests first and foremost with the
authorities of Sri Lanka.Government
officials have assured me that the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation
Commission will provide Sri Lankans with a credible and independent
accountability mechanism.
We will be interested in its progress. The
Secretary-General intends soon to establish a Panel of Experts that will advise
him on international standards and comparative experiences with accountability.It will also be available as a resource that
the Sri Lankans can turn to should they wish.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the
strong friendship and partnership between the United Nations and Sri
Lanka.We are engaged on many difficult
and sensitive issues.We do not always
agree.But as we move forward with our
assistance in this post-conflict period, the United Nations will continue to be
driven each day by a desire to help build a better future for the people of Sri
Lanka. Ends./
Dambulla, Sri
Lanka, Thursday 17 June –Captains
of four of the biggest cricket playing nations in the world – India, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - took time out from the Micromax Asia Cup here today to
commit themselves to playing for a hat trick of another kind, “Cricket’s
Healthy Hat trick”.
At a
joint press conference between the Asian Cricket Council and UNICEF, the United
Nations Children’s Fund, the message to governments and communities was: invest
in a healthy hat trick – good nutrition, sanitation and girls’ education – three
critical interventions to save children’s lives.Three
million children under the age of five die in South Asia each year from malnutrition and diseases related to poor sanitation.
Educating girls is also key to the survival and health of children and families.
“There is a great energy propelling this
region forward at the moment. South Asia is a potential powerhouse, we have seen
strong economic growth but this has not yet been translated into improving the lives of women and
children,” said Philippe Duamelle, Representative of UNICEF Sri Lanka. “Almost half of all children under five years old in
the region are undernourished, and if nothing is done about this their future
will effectively be bowled out.”
The ACC
and UNICEF called on governments and communities to join the cricketers and
commit themselves to take bold action for children.
“Cricketers are
not just sportsmen. They are champions, champions for children, champions for
change,” said Syed Ashraful Huq, CE of ACC “Like in any world class cricket
match a hat trick is that rare and magical formula we all aim for. Investing in
a Healthy Hat
Trick, good nutrition and sanitation and girls education, is the ultimate for
children and for cricketers.”
About UNICEF UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and
territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through
adolescence.The world’s largest
provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and
nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and
girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and
AIDS.UNICEF is funded entirely by the
voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and
governments.About The
ACC The
Asian Cricket Council was founded in 1983 and is the leading development body
for cricket in Asia. Coaching programs, youth and senior tournaments for men
and women, infrastructure development and facilities provision across its 22
members are funded by the revenues generated by the biennial Asia Cup and the
development fund of the International Cricket Council.
Under-Secretary-General
for Political Affairs begins visit to Sri Lanka
Colombo, 16 June 2010 - The
United Nations’ top political official, Under-Secretary-General for
Political
Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe, began a two-day visit to Sri Lanka today as part
of the UN’s
continuing attention to post-war challenges facing the country.
He held meetings in Colombo with President
Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris, and
Attorney
General Mohan Peiris, and was scheduled to meet later in the evening
with Ranil
Wickremasinghe, Leader of the Opposition and Tiran Alles, MP, Democratic
National Alliance.
Under-Secretary-General Pascoe
also visited areas around Mullaitivu town in the North, close to where
the last
battles of the conflict were waged in May 2009 and where, today, people
who
fled their homes during the armed conflict are being resettled with
assistance
from the government, the United Nations agencies and non-governmental
organizations.He was briefed on
progress as well as difficulties in the resettlement process in the
District,
home today to a resettled population of more than 40,000.He received a
briefing from the army in
Kumarapuram on the state of mine clearance from the former war zones.
At a health clinic in the village
of Vattapallai, Under-Secretary-General Pascoe met with a group of
mothers with
young children who had been resettled to the area three months ago. “The
United
Nations is doing everything it can to help you get back to a normal life
now
that this tragic war is over,” he assured the women.USG Pascoe also
visited a cooperative store
where food rations supplied through the United Nations are distributed
to the
resettled populations in the North.
Under-Secretary-General Pascoe’s
visit is focused on issues covered in the joint statement issued by
United
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President Rajapaksa in May
2009,
including political reconciliation, the return and resettlement of IDPs,
and
human rights.
USG Pascoe concludes his visit
with additional meetings Thursday with senior government officials,
representatives of opposition and minority parties including Tamil and
Muslim
leaders, civil society, media and members of the diplomatic corps.
Ends./
Sri
Lanka model developing country, but challenges in industrial, export sectors
remain, says UNIDO Director-General
Colombo,
11 June 2010 - The Director-General of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO), Kandeh K. Yumkella, said today that even as a
model developing country Sri Lanka still faces challenges in industrial and
export growth.
“Sri Lanka
is seen as a model developing country," said Yumkella, who is on a
three-day visit to the country.
"In
the industrial sector it has demonstrated the ability to compete globally in
selected sectors. This is a sound platform to build upon. UNIDO has provided
significant support to the industrial sector, international accreditation of
laboratories which assisted Sri Lankan industry to compete globally. We are
using the Sri Lankan capacity built as South-South training models.
"
But
according to Yumkella, Sri Lanka faces several challenges in industrial and
export sectors due to stiff competition from countries in the region. "One
key challenge is the logistic performance and infrastructure," said
Yumkella.
During his
visit, Director-General Yumkella met Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathna, the
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiyutheen, and the Deputy Minister
of External Affairs, Geethanjana Gunawardene.
They
discussed the industrialization of Sri Lanka especially in the Northern and
Eastern provinces where the Government and UNIDO are jointly promoting small
and medium industries to provide employment and economic empowerment to some
40,000 war widows. Technology transfer, value addition, developing renewable
energy sources, youth employment and training were also on the agenda.
He called
for "an intelligent use of standards and labeling schemes", adding
that the UNIDO initiated ISO energy-efficiency management system standard ISO
50001, as an emerging requirement to demonstrate enterprise-level energy
efficiency.
The
Director-General delivered a keynote address at the Asia Pacific Roundtable for
Sustainable Consumption, taking place in Colombo from 10 to 12 June, and participated
in a panel discussion on Policy Directions and Capacity Building for Industry
Growth at a workshop on Industrial Development Challenges in the 21st Century
organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries.
After
visiting a number of UNIDO-assisted projects in Sri Lanka that deal with trade
capacity building and cleaner production, Yumkella said: "I was pleased to
see that the institutions built under the projects are sustainable, have
resulted in significant increase in revenue and moreover have led to
South-South cooperation."
UNIDO
supports laboratories in Sri Lanka’s Industrial Technology Institute and the
Textile Training and Services Centre, which have provided training to countries
in the region, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Maldives, Pakistan and Vietnam.
For more
information, please contact:
Ravindra
Wickremasinghe, UNIDO Communications
Mobile:
+43 699 1459 7776
UNICEF and WFP launch ground breaking
report on nutrition and food security in Sri Lanka
Colombo 8 June 2010 – A Nutrition and Food Security Survey report was
released today as part of a joint effort with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WFP. This is the
first survey to assess the underlying causes of malnutrition in Sri Lanka and the related impact of the
increase in global food prices.
The UNICEF and WFP funded survey
revealed that there are significant disparities between different regions of
the country. While incidence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural
areas such as the estate sector and Hambantota, wasting was found to be higher
in urban areas including Colombo.
“This survey highlights the importance
of targeted food and nutrition interventions to reach those most at risk of
malnutrition, especially women and children” said UNICEF Representative,
Philippe Duamelle at the launch event.
While Sri Lanka is largely on track to
attaining most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), significant challenges
relating to poverty and child malnutrition remain including socio-economic and
regional disparities, and the quality of public health care.
The WFP Representative for Sri Lanka,
Adnan Khan said “Effective joint nutrition interventions are required at all
levels in order to reduce the proportion of people suffering from hunger and
under-nutrition and achieve the MDGs”.
By reducing hunger and malnutrition, Sri
Lanka will also be able to achieve the MDGs related to child mortality,
maternal health, primary education, gender equality, and HIV/AIDS.
The Nutrition and Food Security Survey
was carried out by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) with funding from
UNICEF and WFP.
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the
United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF) have a 40 year long history in
Sri Lanka in supporting programmes to reduce maternal and child malnutrition
and micronutrient deficiencies.
Both agencies will continue to support
the Government in addressing the issues highlighted in the Nutrition and Food Security
survey.
For more information please contact:
Suzanne Davey,
Communication Officer,
UNICEF
Mobile: 94-77 3165378,
Office: 94-11-2768555
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the
streets in cities around the world on Sunday June 06 to show their support for
the work of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in the fight against
global hunger.
The annual ‘End Hunger: Walk the World’ initiative mobilized an estimated 150,000
to raise awareness and funds for WFP’s school meals programmes. At least 160 walks
took place in 70 countries across all 24 time zones.
“This was our first walk event in two years,
yet the eagerness and enthusiasm with which took part was simply tremendous,”
said Adnan Khan, WFP Country Representative. “With this walk we have taken further
steps to raise awareness of child hunger – a global battle - calling for proper
nutrition to help future generations learn and grow
strong.”
Now in its eighth year, Walk the World is
sponsored by three of WFP’s global private sector partners: global mail service
TNT, consumer goods company
Unilever, and nutrition and life-science specialists DSM.
“In an incredible wave of solidarity, the
world came forward to say that child hunger is totally unacceptable,” said
Josette Sheeran, WFP’s Executive Director, adding that Walk the World is an
excellent example of how global partnerships, including those with the private
sector, can make a huge impact in the fight against hunger.
Despite
rain showers at the inauguration ceremony, the 'Hunger Train' departed from
Colombo Fort station carrying special guests: the Minister of Economic
Development, Basil Rajapakse, Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardena, UN
Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne, WFP Country Representative, Adnan Khan,
winners of WFP’s school meals beneficiary drawing competition, and employees of
WFP, Unilever, TNT and Perera and Sons.
The train
was greeted in Negombo by the town’s mayor, the Western Province Tourism
Minister, the deputy Minister of State Resources and Enterprise Development and
members of WFP’s sponsor group, the Negombo Hoteliers Association. Kandyan
dancers, marching bands, including an all female band, dressed in red, white
and gold silk saris playing flutes and drums, accompanied the hundreds of men,
women and child walkers.
Around the
world, thousands of people also showed their support of the event through the
online community at wfp.org/walktheworld, where fans can post pictures and
videos, as well as participating in a virtual walk by making a donation. A photo competition for the best pictures from walks
around the world is running until 11 June.
###
WFP is the world's
largest humanitarian agency and the UN’s frontline agency for hunger solutions.
Every year, WFP brings food to an average of 90 million people in about 70
countries.
TNT is a global mail and express delivery
company serving more than 200 countries. Since 2002, they have been an active
partner of WFP and to date have invested over $50 million in the
partnership.TNT
founded Walk the World in 2003 as an engagement event for its employees.
Unilever is
one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods with strong
local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe. Unilever joined forces
with WFP in January 2007 to improve the nutrition and health of poor,
school-aged children around the world.
DSM is
a life sciences and materials sciences company. In April 2007, DSM and WFP
joined forces to ensure the nutritional needs of WFP beneficiaries are met
through the creation of cost-effective micronutrient interventions to improve
the general food basket.
Colombo 2 June 2010 – Today, the
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) joined UNICEF and Sri Lanka
Cricket in
support of the ‘Cricket for Children’ initiative to reintegrate former
child
soldiers in their communities of origin.
The stars of Indian cinema and Sri Lanka
cricket; Hrithik Roshan, Suniel Shetty and Kumar Sangakkara, will
captain the
three teams that will compete for the cause of children in the IIFA
Celebrity
Cricket Match on the 4th of June. Part of the proceeds from the match
will be
donated to the Sri Lanka Cricket and UNICEF ‘Cricket for Children’
initiative.
Speaking on the event, the captain of
Sri Lanka’s national team, Kumar Sangakkara said ‘‘Cricket can be used
as a
force for change, bringing hope and healing to vulnerable children”. He
will be
joined by teammates Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and Mahela
Jayawardene in Friday's star studded cricket game.
“It is indeed a great honour to bat for
the ‘Cricket for Children’
initiative.” said Hrithik Roshan, Indian
superstar and team Captain. The cricket match will be one of the key
features
of the Videocon IIFA Weekend celebrations and the Micromax IIFA Awards
in
Colombo. Wizcraft Director, Sabbas Joseph said “IIFA is proud to join
forces
with UNICEF and the Sri Lanka Cricket in this noble cause. With this
initiative
we hope to bring hope and light up the lives of the deprived children.
”
“We are harnessing the power of sport
and cinema through this event, to reach out to children who have been
robbed of
their childhood and give them a chance for a new start in life” said
UNICEF
Representative for Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle.
Earlier this year, former child soldiers
and other vulnerable children were trained as cricket Peer Leaders as
part of a
partnership between the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket, Bureau of the
Commissioner
General for Rehabilitation, Cricket for Change and UNICEF. Beyond the
game of
cricket, these children also learnt the values of team work, respect and
fair-play. Sri Lanka Cricket and UNICEF are now supporting the Peer
Leaders to
organize cricket games among youth in their communities of origin.
The Videocon IIFA Weekend and the
Micromax IIFA Awards is being hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
Bureau.
For more information please contact:
Suzanne Davey,
Communication Officer,
UNICEF
Mobile: 94-77 3165378,
Office: 94-11-2768555
Brian Thomas,
Media Manager,
Sri Lanka Cricket.
Ph: 94-773 104 391
Lizel Noronha
Corporate Communication & PR
Wizcraft International Entertainment
M: + 91 9325454642
Koknahara farmers benefit from rehabilitated irrigation canal in Ampara
Colombo, 1 June 2010 -The European Union (EU)
together with its implementing partner the International Organization for
Migration handed over a rehabilitated canal to the farmers of Koknahara, in Ampara
district, East of Sri Lanka.
The majority of the community of Koknahara are
engaged in farming or other agro related livelihoods. Before the canal
renovation project the farmers relied on rain water for cultivation during the
wet season. However, this severely limited their productivity and so their
income.
The 850m canal was rehabilitated, with an
emphasis on upgrading damaged sluice gates and introducing additional gates to
better manage the flow of water. The project, made possible under the EU-IOM Community
Livelihood Support Programme in Ampara at a cost of LKR 2.03 million, now
benefits over 120 farmers and their families in Koknahara by providing water
throughout the year for agricultural activities and household use.
“The canal structures were constructed in 1960 and therefore
required major renovations if the community was to make use of it”, said Mr S. Weerasinghe
the Regional Director of Irrigation. “EU and IOM’s support to renovate this
canal at this point in time has helped the community to store rain water to be
used during the dry season and this will also improve their agro based
livelihoods. It should now be the responsibility of the community to maintain
it”, he concluded.
This project has contributed to increasing
the average yield of paddy and improving the income levels of the farming
community thereby raising their living standards and developing the local
economy at large. For more information contact Nicola Rounce
0773184465 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0773184465end_of_the_skype_highlighting, rounce@iom.int, Duminda Perera,
063 222 4393 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 063 222 4393end_of_the_skype_highlighting (Ext: 209), 0772 518 770 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0772 518 770end_of_the_skype_highlighting dperera@iom.intOr Passanna
Gunasekera, 5325 300 (Ext 341), pgunasekera@iom.int
IOM Delivers lab equipment, supplies to Northern Hospitals
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|
COLOMBO, 28 May 2010: IOM
has handed over USD 95,000 of urgently needed laboratory equipment and supplies
to two war-affected hospitals in Mallavi and Killinochchi.
The donation,
funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via
UMCOR (United Methodist Council on Relief), will help the hospitals to provide
health care to thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) returning to the
areas from the Menik Farm IDP camp.
IOM Director
of Migration Health Dr Davide Mosca, who attended the handover at the
newly-renovated laboratory of the partially destroyed Mallavi
Base Hospital,
emphasized the need for decent health care for returnees and praised government
efforts to rebuild shattered health infrastructure in northern Sri Lanka
since fighting ended in the area in May 2009.
“IOM
has already moved about 190,000 IDPs from Menik Farm to their home districts in
the north and the east and expects to move more in the coming months. We
therefore strongly support government efforts to strengthen health care
provision for the returnees,” he said.
IOM
interventions to support the Ministry of Health and strengthen the health
system in areas of return have also included the restoration of key primary
health facilities in Oddusudan, Mallavi, and Mullankaville.
It also
provides 16 ambulances on call 24 hours, daily transportation for government
health workers, and two outreach mobile clinics in the Mannar district.
At the laboratory of the
Mallavi Base Hospital where laboratory equipment and supplies were donated by
IOM, with the distinguished participation of IOM Director of Migration Health Dr Davide Mosca, along with officials from the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.
_________________________________ENDS_____________________________________
For
more information please contact Stacey Winston, at IOM Sri Lanka.
Email: swinston@iom.int, Tel:
+94(0)115325300.
ADB President to visit Sri Lanka, offer support for post-war development
Asian
Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda will visit Sri Lanka on 26–28
May 2010, where he will pledge ADB's continuing support for the Government's
post-war reconstruction and development programs.
During
the visit—his first as ADB President to Sri Lanka—Mr. Kuroda is scheduled to
meet top government officials and discuss ADB's ongoing assistance for the
country's efforts to rebuild basic infrastructure, especially in the
war-affected Northern and Eastern provinces. Sri Lanka's decades-old civil
conflict ended one year ago in May 2009.
Issues
of macroeconomic management as well as policies to promote rapid growth and
inclusive development will feature in Mr. Kuroda's discussions with top
government leaders.
ADB
supports various projects involving rehabilitation of water and sanitation,
roads, power, schools and hospitals in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Mr.
Kuroda is scheduled to make field trips and meet beneficiaries of these
projects.
He
will also visit two flagship projects in Sri Lanka supported by ADB, the
Colombo Port Expansion Project and the Southern Transport Development Project,
the country's first expressway.
Earlier
this year, ADB approved a $150 million emergency assistance loan for Sri Lanka for
the reconstruction of urgently-needed infrastructure and to restore essential
services for people in the war-affected regions. As of 30 April 2010, ADB has
approved loans totaling $212 million to the country for this year.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth,
environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966,
it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2009, it approved a total of
$16.1 billion in financing operations through loans, grants, guarantees, a
trade finance facilitation program, equity investments, and technical
assistance projects. ADB also mobilized cofinancing amounting to $3.2 billion.
UNICEF helps restore critical maternal and child health facilities in the North
Colombo 27 May 2010 – UNICEF today helped re-establish emergency obstetric and paediatric care at the Kilinochchi General Hospital. In a special event Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development and UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle re-opened the new facility, which is now equipped to handle complicated obstetric procedures and allow pregnant mothers to deliver their babies safely.
The hospital was damaged during the conflict and vital health facilities and equipment were lost. With UNICEF assistance the operating theatre, labour room, maternity and paediatric wards were refurbished and equipped, while a special baby care unit will also be provided. As a result, pregnant women, mothers and children will no longer need to travel long distances to access specialized health care.
“This project will serve the health needs of thousands of women and children now returning back to their homes” said the UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle at the opening.
While Sri Lanka is doing well in preventing maternal deaths with 37 per 100,000 live births, there are regional disparities in maternal mortality across the country, which were further affected by the conflict in the north and east. “UNICEF is committed to continue supporting the restoration of quality health and nutrition services in these areas” says Duamelle.
In addition to the Kilinochchi hospital, Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Philippe Duamelle also opened the Musali maternity building in Mannar district constructed by UNICEF.
UNICEF also donated five Toyota land-cruisers, refurbished and renovated four Gramodaya Health Centres in the Northern Province and will be renovating and equipping the obstetric and paediatric units of the Mullaithivu General Hospital. The total estimated cost of Rs.154 million for restoring these health facilities is funded by UNICEF with contributions from AUSAID, DFID, USAID and the Government of Spain.
UNICEF supported health facilities:
Kilinochchi District: Kilinochchi General Hospital
Mannar District: Musali Hospital and Pallmunai and Jeeva Nagar Gramodaya Health Centres
Mullaithivu District: Mullaithivu General Hospital
Vavuniya District: Kanagarayankulam and Naina-Madhu Gramodaya Health Centres
For more information please contact: Suzanne Davey, Communication Officer Mobile: 94-77 3165378, Office: 94-11-2768555 ext 247
The Secretary-General’s Message on the Day of Vesak
I am pleased to send greetings on the
Day of Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the
Buddha.Vesak is a time for all Buddhists to reflect
on the fundamental values of tolerance, compassion and service to
humanity that
are embodied in the Buddha’s life and teachings.These values are echoed
in the Charter of the
United Nations, a promise by Member States to work in harmony for a
world where
women and men can thrive and prosper in peace and dignity.
The theme for this year, “Global
Recovery: the Buddhist Perspective” speaks to the heart of global
concerns at a
time of multiple crises.When the economic
and financial crisis hit, the poor suffered first and worst.They will
take longest to recover.At the time, I urged world leaders to act in
unison for the common good.Their
synchronized response and the efforts of the United Nations helped to
avoid a
worse crisis.Valuable lessons were
learned that are guiding our response as the fallout continues.
Such displays of solidarity are
increasingly essential in today’s interdependent world.They are
reflected in the Day of Vesak itself,
and the acts of compassion for the less fortunate that are part of its
annual
observance.Only by showing regard for
others can we succeed in tackling the great challenges of our era:
reducing
poverty and hunger, reversing environmental decline, avoiding
catastrophic
climate change and creating a world of freedom, peace and justice for
all.If we follow the true spirit of Buddhism -- or
any of the other major religions of the world -- all these noble goals
can be
achieved.
IOM is delivering tents,
tarpaulins and other relief items to thousands of people affected by ongoing
flooding, rain and landslides in 13 of the country’s 25 districts.
“We
have now transported 1,348 family tents to southern districts, Colombo and Gampaha in the west, and
tarpaulins to Trincomalee on the east coast. But there is no sign of the
weather letting up yet and more aid may be needed,” says Selina Salkeld, Head
of IOM Sri Lanka’s Emergency Response Unit.
According
to Sri Lanka’s
Disaster Management Centre (DMC), over half a million people or 100,000
families have been affected by some of the worst rains on record. At least
15,000 people have been displaced, some 1,350 houses have been damaged or
destroyed, and 20 people have died.
Districts
across the country including Colombo, Gampaha,
Kalutara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Galle,
Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, Puttalam, Mannar and Anuradhapura have been affected.
IOM
is providing the DMC with transport to move relief supplies to flood-affected
communities. It is also coordinating with the DMC and humanitarian partners who
are evacuating families from areas cut off by the floods and assessing future
needs.
In
addition to emergency flood relief, IOM Sri Lanka is continuing to work in
close cooperation with the government and partners to help conflict-affected
communities in the north and east of the country.
To
date, it has moved over 188,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from the
Menik Farm displacement camp in Vavuniya to their home districts.
It
has also provided primary health care services to more than 200,000 IDPs and
has helped over 9,600 returnees to start new livelihoods. In return areas it is
also providing vulnerable conflict-affected communities with transitional
shelter, water and sanitation.
For further
information, please contact Selena Salkeld, Email: ssalked@iom.int
or Stacey Winston, Email: swinston@iom.int at IOM Sri Lanka. Tel: +94 (0)
115325300.
Asia-Pacific must increase social spending to turn rebound into recovery, UN report proposes path to lift millions out of poverty and build a stronger regional economy
A United Nations report released today urges governments in the Asia-Pacific region to increase
social spending to consolidate the region's stronger than
anticipated economic rebound and to spur over the long term a fairer, more balanced, and sustained
economic recovery.
"Governments must embrace this opportunity to secure the gains of the economic rebound by investing in social programs that directly benefit people hardest hit by the crisis, act to reduce
poverty, and create a more sustainable economy,"said Noeleen
Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
"
The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2010, an annual publication of ESCAP provides the governments of the
Asia-Pacific region - representing 62 percent of the world's population - a road map
towards a more inclusive and sustainable development path.
According to the Survey, even at the height of this crisis,
Asia and the Pacific was still the fastest-growing region in the
world, supported in large part by fiscal stimulus packages adopted by the region's biggest economies.The Survey finds the outlook for 2010 has improved significantly,with Asia-Pacific region developing
economies forecast to grow by 7 per cent, led by China (9.5) and India (8.3).
However, rising inflationary pressures,
especially of food products, and asset price bubbles, in a number of countries
make 2010 a complex year for policy makers who will have to balance
sustaining the momentum of growth with financial stability.While monetary tightening may be necessary to
restrain inflationary pressures, policy makers must be cautious about withdrawing
fiscal stimulus packages lest the fledgling recovery process is disrupted.
The Survey also recommends the use of capital controls to moderate short-term capital inflows - the
result of a massive expansion of liquidity in western countries-which has created asset bubbles, inflationary
pressures and exchange rate increases in the region's developing economies.
"We know from experience following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis that it may be years before the poorest people
are able to recover from the past two year's global crisis; governments
need to maintain programmes to help people recover their assets and
livelihoods," continued Dr Heyzer.
According to the Survey,a sustained,long term development for all economies within the region will have to rely on creating
new engines of growth by rebalancing the
region with greater regional consumption through increased intra-regional trade, accelerating the development of an Asia-Pacific consumer
market.
"This is the moment when the
Asia-Pacific region can assure the long term benefits of the recovery by creating a sustainable,interconnected, greener,regional economy,while reducing the social and economic disparities which left it vulnerable to such
crisis," said Dr Heyzer. "The region has the opportunity to
strengthen its economy, its environment, its society, and better connect
itself."
The Survey promotes a number of regional policy recommendations for inclusive and sustainable growth, such as strengthening social protection and
enhancing financial inclusion.
Increased social spending directly supports
income security for households by providing food security, education and access
to health care, reducing the need by poorer families to maintain precautionary
savings to protect against adversity.These
families are then able to contribute more to local economies and invest more in
their own development.
"The region has close to one billion
people living in poverty at this very moment.The more people we lift out of poverty today the larger consumer class
and developed markets we create for the future," noted Dr Heyzer.
Also,as the majority of the region's poor live in rural areas deriving their in come from agriculture, and will benefit from agricultural growth, the Survey recommends continued support for crop and rural development, urging
a new, knowledge-intensive Green Revolution to make agriculture more environmentally resilient.
Countries can also increase the
development value of the agricultural sector by making it more socially inclusive: returning
ownership of land and resources to farmers, especially women, and economically
empowering the poor.
The Survey recommends that Asia and the
Pacific should increase efforts to create a more integrated and sustained regional market
benefiting both national economies and a larger consumer class.Until now the region has been better
connected through trade patterns with Europe and North America than it has been
with itself.The Survey identifies a
number of priorities -enhancing regional economic integration and integrated trade and transport policies, development of a
regional financial architecture – that can lay the foundations for a more inclusive,inter connected and sustainable path of development for the
region.
The Survey - launched today in over 22
cities across the region and in New York and Geneva - is available online at:
http://www.unescap.org/survey2010.
Government, International Agencies Initiate Migration Health Policy
COLOMBO, April 30, 2010:Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition (MOH) this week met
with representatives from International Organization for Migration (IOM), the
World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO),
the Central Bank and relevant ministries to initiate the development of a
migration health policy for Sri
Lanka.
The meeting, which was
funded by IOM’s 1035 grant facility for IOM Member States, discussed a
migration health policy to address outbound, inbound, and internal migrant
flows.
Outward flows include some
1.8 million Sri Lankans who are employed abroad and play a critical role in the
economy, sending home over US$ 3 billion a year in remittances. Other flows linked to the end of the country’s long running conflict in
2009 include displaced people returning to their places of origin, returning refugees from
abroad, and an expected rapid expansion of tourism.
“Sri Lanka needs to formulate a
migration health policy that will make its migrants smarter, healthier, and
better protected. While migration in itself is not a risk factor to health, the
circumstances surrounding the migration process increase vulnerability and
expose migrants to various health risks,” says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission
Mohammed Abdiker.
The meeting was
spearheaded by Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Irrigation
and Water Resource Development and the outgoing Minister of Health, who is the
current president of the World Health Assembly - the governing body of the WHO.
He was a key player in the
adoption of the 61st World Health Assembly Resolution on Health of
Migrants, which calls on WHO Member States to “promote migrant-inclusive health
policies and to train health professionals to deal with health related issues
associated with population movements, among others.”
Speaking to participants, he said that
many of his constituents migrated from their villages to the Middle
East and he had seen first hand, the difficulties and negative
impacts that they faced with regards to their health.
“Our migrant health policy must to be respected by
migrant receiving countries in order to be effective. It needs to offer strong
guidelines for policies which can be adopted by other countries,” he said.
For more information please contact Stacey
Winston at IOM Colombo, Tel: +94(0)115325300,
Email: swinston@iom.int or Gaya NagahawattaEmail: gnagahawatta@iom.int
Developing Asia’s recovery from crisis takes firm hold - ADB
Developing Asia's strong recovery from the effects of the global economic crisis is expected to continue through the next two years, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in a new major report.
ADB's annual flagship economic publication, Asian Development Outlook 2010 (ADO 2010), released today, forecasts robust growth of 7.5% in 2010, well up from 5.2% in 2009, supported by a modest recovery in global trade and the ongoing effects of fiscal and monetary stimulus. Growth should moderate slightly to 7.3% in 2011 as effects of those expansionary policies dissipate.
“Developing Asia's recovery has taken firm hold and a return to stronger and sustainable growth is now in sight if the region can meet the challenge of strengthening domestic demand,” says ADB Chief Economist Jong-Wha Lee.
Prospects improved after better-than-expected growth in the second half of 2009, helped in particular by strong performances in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India. The stimulus measures of last year will continue to fuel investment in the region, while private consumption is likely to increase as income prospects pick up and unemployment declines.
As the recovery lifts domestic demand, it is also likely to boost consumer price inflation to about 4% in each of the next two years. The overall current account surplus is predicted to decline further this year and next as external demand only slowly picks up and domestic demand strengthens.
But as the recovery proceeds, says the report, the region faces several risks, including a slower global recovery, with the outlook for the industrialized economies still somewhat uncertain. There is concern that as stimulus measures are unwound, particularly in the major economies, the strength of private demand is not healthy enough to take over.
Other potentially unsettling issues to watch out for include a sharp increase in international commodity prices, deteriorating fiscal positions, and the persistence of global imbalances.
Developing Asia faces the additional concern that its early and relatively strong recovery and higher interest rates are already attracting potentially volatile capital flows, complicating macroeconomic management. Rising food prices, which disproportionately impact the poor, also pose a risk.
As the report points out, government policy makers must face the challenge of sustaining growth in this still uncertain environment through a faithful, yet timely return to sound and responsible fiscal and monetary policies. These served the region well when the crisis broke, and authorities need to adapt them appropriately as recovery takes hold and the crisis recedes.
There is also plenty of scope for longer-term improvements to Asia's monetary, exchange rate, and fiscal policy frameworks. Such adjustments, the report outlines, will enable the region to better adapt to the post-crisis world.
In East Asia, where recovery is strongest, growth is forecast to accelerate to 8.3% in 2010, from 5.9% in 2009, with solid recoveries in the three economies that shrank last year (Hong Kong, China; Mongolia; and Taipei,China). The gross domestic product (GDP) growth will also remain buoyant in the PRC, where huge government stimulus measures will continue to have their effect. The Republic of Korea is expected to rebound to a 5.2% expansion, driven by stronger private investment and consumption and the pickup in global trade.
In Southeast Asia, aggregate growth is likely to rebound to 5.1% in 2010, from just 1.2% in 2009, when five of ten economies contracted (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand). The bounce back is due in large part to the revival of global trade and rising investment. The pace of growth is likely to quicken a bit in 2011.
South Asia, too, will pick up in 2010, led by a projected 8.2% performance in India, but also strong growth in Sri Lanka (6.0%), as it continues to benefit from its recent return to peace after a long civil conflict. Pakistan is likely to pick up, with growth of 3.0% reflecting better domestic economic fundamentals, while growth is likely to ease slightly in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Economic growth is also expected to edge up in 2010 in Central Asia, from 2.7% in 2009, as higher oil prices and a recovery in the Russian Federation underpin economies. But ongoing weakness in Kazakhstan’s non-oil economy will hold its overall growth down to 2.5%, while Armenia and Georgia will eke out only meager growth of about 2%.
In the Pacific, the overall growth rate is forecast to rise to 3.7% in 2010, from 2.3% in 2009, buoyed mainly by a stronger Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, both of which benefit from higher export demand and prices for natural resources. However, GDP in the Fiji Islands is expected to contract again, and most of the smaller economies will grow by less than 1%.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2009, it approved $13.2 billion of loans, $1.1 billion of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $267 million.
The web link to the full document is also given below.
While
lauding encouraging efforts to improve human rights by the
six Persian Gulf Nations, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights requests
replacement of the sponsorship
system known as Kafala that rigidly binds migrants to their
employers, enabling the latter to
commit abuses, with updated labour laws.
Ms. Navaneethan Pillay highlighted
economic and social rights, childrens’ rights and human trafficking as areas
where progress has been made in a keynote address at the
King Abdullah
University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
the first stop on a six nation
mission.
Progress
has also been achieved in other
areas, she said, noting that “some Members States of the
Organization of the Islamic
Conference have modified their laws
with respect to women’s rights, including marriage, divorce and public
participation.”
While praising the fact that women now have the
right to vote and have access to public office in several Gulf Cooperation
Council countries, the High
Commissioner pointed out that women are still not able to fully enjoy their human rights all across the
region.
“Discriminatory
barriers continue to hamper women’s right to shape their
own lives and choices, and fully participate in public life,” she said. “…These
barriers must be removed. It is also time to put to rest the
concept of male guardianship… Positive developments for women’s civil and
political rights are still patchy and uneven in the
region.”
The
High Commissioner said she was encouraged to see that more States in the region have adopted, or are enacting, laws to
combat human trafficking. At the
same time, she voiced concern about the
treatment of migrant workers which she said reflected problems facing migrants
elsewhere in the world.
Reports
“consistently cite ongoing practices of unlawful confiscation of passports,
withholding of wages and exploitation by unscrupulous recruitment agencies and
employers,” she said. “The situation of migrant domestic workers is of particular
concern...” She drew attention to their
often inadequate living and working conditions and to the
fact that they are sometimes “unable
to obtain access to judicial recourse and effective remedies for their plight.”
She urged those
States that had not yet replaced the
sponsorship system known as Kafala – that “rigidly binds migrants to their employers, enabling the
latter to commit abuses, while preventing workers from changing jobs or leaving
the country” – with updated labour
laws to do so at the earliest.
Ms.
Pillay also stressed the importance
of a “vibrant press and committed civil society” able to operate freely and
alert the State to issues and
problems as they arise. In many
countries “a worrisome trend is emerging or re-emerging,” she added, referring
to laws that aim at curtailing civil society’s scope of action, and
restrictions on some media organizations.
In addition, the High Commissioner pointed to the “growing effectiveness” of the national human rights institutions in Qatar and Saudi
Arabia, which were the
first to be created in the Gulf
region, congratulated Bahrain
and Oman
for their recent establishment of
national human rights institutions, and called on the
remaining countries to follow suit.
Ms.
Pillay’s 10-day mission will also take her to Qatar,
Kuwait, Bahrain, the
United Arab Emirates and Oman.
UN humanitarian fund to give USD 13.75
million to boost Sri Lanka’s aid efforts in the North
Colombo, 01
April 2010: An allocation of USD $ 13.75
million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will
help United Nations agencies and the International Organization for Migration
(IOM) to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to assist thousands of civilians displaced
in the North or just returning to the region.
"This
contribution is a clear demonstration of the United Nations' commitment to
meeting the urgent needs of the people affected by the conflict," said
Neil Buhne, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Sri Lanka. "I
hope that this encourages donors to provide support to priority areas in Menik
Farm and the northern return areas, where humanitarian needs are highest. All
activities build on existing programmes implemented in cooperation with the Sri
Lankan Government"
The
largest portion of the grant, some $ 4.1 million, will go to the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to resume its emergency shelter
assistance in form of the shelter grants to returning families. Another $ 844,000
to the
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and $ 685,000 to the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) will enable the set up of emergency
shelter for the tens of thousands of civilians who have returned. IOM will
receive a further $ 800,000 to continue to provide transportation of Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return areas.
The World Food Program (WFP) will
receive approximately $ 2.4 million to continue to feed the displaced in camps.
Complementary to this is about, $ 2 million allocated to UNICEF and UNOPS will
allow construction of latrines, and provide clean water in camps and return
areas. CERF will also provide UNICEF with $ 1.08 million for programs to
provide basic learning spaces, emergency nutrition and mother and child care in
camps and resettlement areas.$ 200,000
will go to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to enhance reproductive
health and wellbeing of displaced and returned women and girls, and builds on
existing programmes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) will get $ 920,000
from the grant to improve access to essential public health services in areas
of return.
The Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) will assist national planning for the next planting season
with seeds, tool packs and poultry set up through $ 680,000 from the CERF.
The past few months have seen an
increase in humanitarian needs in the Northern Province owing to the
accelerated return of communities displaced by the final stages of the conflict
in Sri Lanka. The North has only just begun to recover from the widespread
damage caused by the war and returnees are still finding it difficult to meet
their basic needs. As of mid-March, close to 192,000 individuals have been
released or returned and the demand for immediate humanitarian assistance has
become most urgent. At the same time 88,000 remain displaced in camps, and
unable to return home because of the work remaining on demining operations and
establishing safe conditions for resettlement. The UN remains committed to
assist IDPs in camps until such time they are able to return.
CERF was established in 2006 to help agencies respond rapidly to new
or deteriorating humanitarian situations. Since then, more than 115 Member
States and private sector donors have contributed nearly $2 billion to the
fund, which is administered by the United Nations Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs.
CERF has disbursed nearly $ 1.5 billion to help
millions of victims of natural disasters and conflict in more than 70 countries
since 2006 and includes contributions of over $ 70 million to emergency
humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka.
Ends/.
Government and UN committed to strengthen joint development work
COLOMBO, 01 April 2010: Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, speaking at the recent annual joint review of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), stated that the Sri Lanka has moved to a middle income country and, expected to grow at a higher rate and to double the per capita income within the next five years.
He further outlined the development strategies and expectations of the government to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world by strengthening home-grown model, developing infrastructure facilities and reducing regional disparities. Dr. Jaysundera underscored the importance of the UN system in assisting Government with post conflict development, including support to home-grown approaches, through the UNDAF.
Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator described the wide range of UN work throughout Sri Lanka, complimenting national efforts. He said that the UN is committed to support Sri Lankans as they work to consolidate the gains from peace and translate these into more rapid and equitable human development. “As a long-standing close partner and contributor to Sri Lanka’s development achievements over the last 50 years, through good and hard times, the UN has unique capacities to help the Government to meet these objectives.”
Mr. Neil Buhne outlined how the objectives in the UNDAF were designed to support the government’s development programme set out in the Mahinda Chinthana, while noting the government’s ownership and commitment to implement the UNDAF.
The UNDAF is a five year plan which has been operational since 2008, and the framework outlines how UN agencies and the government work together in achieving Sri Lanka’s medium-term development priorities. The framework envisages a resource envelop of US$ 365 million over the five year period and has particular focus on poverty reduction, governance, consolidation of peace and achieving gender equality. The United Nations provided US$ 132 million in development aid to Sri Lankans in 2009, most of which is in addition to humanitarian assistance.
Ends./ For more information please contact:
Tom Hockley – Head of Resident Coordinator’s Office, Sri Lanka, Mobile: +94 77 3444 155, Office: +94 11 2580691 ext 157 Email: tom.hockley@undp.org
Urgent
need to address gender gaps in the Asia Pacific region says UNDP Report
Colombo,
30 March 2010-While Asia and the Pacific can
take pride in the region’s vibrant economic transformation in recent decades,
this has not translated into progress on gender equality.
Discrimination and
neglect are threatening women’s very survival in the Asia-Pacific region, where
women suffer from some of the world’s lowest rates of political representation,
employment and property ownership. Their lack of participation is also
depressing economic growth. Those were some of the findings of the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-sponsored 2010 Asia-Pacific Human
Development Report (APHDR) launched today in Colombo.
The
Report focuses on three key areas —economic power, political decision-making
and legal rights―to analyse what holds women back, and how policies and
attitudes can be changed to foster a climb toward gender equality. Asia, the
Report asserts, is standing at a cross-road and by putting the right policies
in place now, countries in the region can achieve positive change.
Discrimination is Costly Lack of women’s participation in
the workforce costs the region billions of dollars every year. In countries such
as India, Indonesia and Malaysia conservative estimates show that GDP would
increase by up to 2-4 percent annually if women’s employment rates were raised
to 70 percent, closer to the rate of many developed countries.
Asia-Pacific Often Ranks Low on
Gender Indicators South Asia often comes in second
worst in the world in gender equality measures, just above sub-Saharan Africa,
while East Asia often fares better in health, education, and employment.
Few Women Hold Political Office Asia-Pacific women hold only a
handful of legislative seats, fewer than anywhere else in the world except in
the Arab region. Women in Asia-Pacific rarely make it to elective office. The
Pacific sub region accounts for four of the world’s six countries without any
women lawmakers.
Disappearing Women
The problem of “missing girls”
―in which more boys are born than girls, as girl foetuses are presumably
aborted, and women die from health and nutrition neglect— is actually growing.
Birth gender disparity is greatest in East Asia, where 119 boys are born for
every 100 girls.
Laws are Lagging Laws aren’t helping much. The
region is far behind where it could be on basic issues, such as protecting
women from violence, upholding entitlements to property —even allowing people
to divorce in an informed and reasonable way.
Region at a Crossroad:
Recommendations Removing barriers to women’s
ownership of assets, such as land; expanding paid employment; making migration
safe and investing in high-quality education and health are some of the main
solutions recommended for addressing these problems.
The Report recommended reforming
constitutions, training judicial and law enforcement personnel in
gender-sensitive practices and progressively interpreting religious principles
―which recognize the equal value of all human beings. Political quotas to
increase women’s political participation, with sanctions for non-compliance,
could be necessary. More women should also be enfranchised into party politics;
and relied upon as brokers of peace in times of emergency.
The Sri Lanka launch of the
APHDR, ‘Power, Voice and Rights’
began with an introduction by Mr. Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative. Mr.
Buhne introduced the key findings from the Report and also outlined some of the
main recommendations for achieving gender equality. He said
that with respect to gender equality, Sri Lanka is performing better than most
of her neighbours in South Asia. However, he said, there was room for progress, especially in
terms of women’s political participation, access to legal rights and
participation in the workforce.
Ms. Dhara Wijayatilake, Secretary, Ministry of Plan
Implementation discussed the issue of women’s rights in Sri Lanka and the legal
framework in the country. Ms Wijayatilake, however, cautioned against depending
solely on laws. She said that the law alone can achieve
little and that the principles that are enshrined in legal enactments need to
be supported by a commitment to realize the ultimate objective sought to be
achieved through the law. “A change in attitude is of the essence”, she said, “because
recognition of rights to achieve gender equality is by itself an attempt
to change what is.”
Ms. Jansila Majeed, 2010 Winner of the International
Woman of Courage Award shared her experiences with the audience and talked
about some of the challenges she faced in her long career as a women’s rights
activist in Sri Lanka.
The event concluded with a theatre performance,
‘Sifting Point’ by Floating Space. Set in contemporary Sri Lanka, the performance
touched upon various critical issues including gender roles in society and
sexual stereotyping of women.
Rebuilding primary health care in post-conflict Northern Sri Lanka
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|
International
Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition
organized a two-day workshop, funded by the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), to improve primary health care services in northern Sri Lanka. The event
which brought together some 40 health professionals in Anuradhapura, was entitled, “Primary Health
Care Model for the North.”
Participants
included health sector professionals from both national and provincial levels,
together with representatives from the Ministry of Health, the World Health
Organisation (WHO), and IOM.
The
workshop looked at ways of managing a wide spectrum of issues, including the
primary health needs of tens of thousands of displaced people returning to
their places of origin, the challenges facing health workers in areas of
return, and planning primary level health care for returnees.
“The need of the day is to put in a
revitalized health system for the north that can address the many challenges
and be sensitive to the local needs. Some of the changes that are currently
expressed in ushering in a new primary health care model can be adapted to
these local settings,” noted Dr. Susie Perera, Director Policy and Development,
Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition.
Participants
also examined the challenge of rebuilding health infrastructure in the north,
training for primary healthcare staff, introduction of health records for
adults, and the provision of equipment and basic lab tests needed at primary
level curative institutions.
Since the end of the conflict between
the government and the LTTE in May 2009, IOM Sri Lanka, in partnership with the
Ministry of Health, has provided emergency health care services to more than
200,000 displaced people in northern Sri Lanka.
Group discussions being carried out at the
two-day workshop p on “Primary Health Care
Model for the North” organized by the International Organization for Migration
(IOM) and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, funded by the U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID), to improve primary health care services
in northern Sri Lanka.
Cricket: Changing the lives of disadvantaged children
Colombo 19 March 2010 – Today, Sri Lanka Cricket teamed up with UNICEF, International Cricket Council (ICC), the Bureau of the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms, Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation, and Cricket for Change (C4C) to promote the spirit of cricket for children formerly associated with armed groups and other disadvantaged children.
At a launch event held today at the Sri Lanka Cricket complex, 24 children graduated as Cricket Peer Leaders, after a week’s training on Street20 cricket emulating the popular Twenty20 game. Young people from the Phoonthotam and Ratmalana Rehabilitation Centres and other disadvantaged children from Batticaloa took part in the training.
The ICC commissioned Cricket for Change group, who conducted the week-long training, went beyond the game of cricket touching on values of team work, respect and trust. ‘This initiative is part of ICC’s commitment to cricket’s Great Spirit’ said ICC’s Head of Member Services and Corporate Affairs, John Long. ‘We are extremely grateful to the partners, particularly UNICEF, Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket for Change, and the Government of Sri Lanka’ he said.
Technical staff from Sri Lanka Cricket, who also took part in the training, will now play a key role in extending this initiative to benefit more children in the island. ‘We are happy to provide opportunities for children from the north and east, where training and development of cricket was limited’ said Nishantha Ranatunga, Secretary for Sri Lanka Cricket. ‘Cricket is a team sport and the values these children have learnt will help them become responsible citizens of tomorrow’ he said.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe said ‘these children are victims, they need to be nurtured into more caring and responsible individuals. This project compliments our on-going rehabilitation and reintegration activities’.
‘We are using the power of sport through this great partnership to reach out to vulnerable children and help them realize their full potential’ said the UNICEF Representative for Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle.
The Cricket Peer Leaders will now go back to their homes and will run Street20 cricket in their communities of origin, thereby reaching out to more disadvantaged children.
The Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia provided the much needed support to the project. Speaking at a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to welcome the workshop participants, His Excellency Dr. Peter Hayes said ‘I am delighted that we can play a part in changing the lives of these young people’.
In 2009, Cricket for Change was commissioned by the ICC to set up four sustainable cricket development programmes in the Indian sub-continent. The overall aim of these programmes is to show how cricket can be used as a force for good in areas of disadvantage and conflict.
For more information and interviews please contact: Suzanne Davey, Communication Officer – External Relations, UNICEF Sri Lanka. Ph: 077 316 5378 sdavey@unicef.org
Brian Thomas, Media Manager, Sri Lanka Cricket. Ph: 0773 104 391 media@sri.lankacricket.lk
John Long, Head of Member Services and Corporate Affairs, International Cricket Council Ph: +971 506 401 108 john.long@icc-cricket.com
Col. Ehalamalpe, Office of the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation. Ph: 011 316 8462 bcg.rehabilitation@gmail.com
EU provides new school to the children of Al-Hilal
COLOMBO, 19th March 2010 – The
European Union (EU), through its implementing partner the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) provides a new school building for the
children of Sainthamaruthu, in Ampara, eastern Sri Lanka.
Over 1500 students, coming from paddy farming
and fishing communities, will directly benefit from this facility.
“The new classrooms will evidently create a
positive educational environment for students who had classes in temporary settings
for more than four years”, said Mr. M. T. A. Thowfeek, Zonal Director of
Education, Kalmunai. “The new assembly hall will also serve as a platform for
students to perform to the public”, he further added.
This project, made possible by the European
Union under IOM’s Community Livelihood Support Programme (CLSP), includes the
construction of a three storey building with classrooms, an assembly hall, a
storeroom, landscaping and site development including drainage facilities.
The Principal of Al-Hilal Secondary school,
Mr. Majeed, addressing the gathering said, “The new building helped us to
increase the student intake and this year nearly 500 students were admitted.
The new school that stands today is a dream come true for the students,
academic staff and parents”.
The school will now cater for children from
Grade 1 through to Grade 9, and with these new facilities the numbers expected
to benefit from the project will invariably rise in the coming years.
Sri Lanka’s work on fighting stigma and
discrimination in HIV/AIDS at the World Bank’s Knowledge Forum
Regional Forum to showcase proven grassroots initiatives to tackle
HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination and boost HIV prevention
Alliance Lanka and Lanka Plus organizations of
Sri Lanka joined over 200 members of civil society organizations, academia,
governments, and development partners from across the region in Delhi today to
share best practices and lessons learned in tackling stigma and discrimination.
The Forum was a coming together of 26 winners of the World Bank’s South Asia
Regional Development Marketplace (SARDM) 2008. It was designed to give a
broader audience an opportunity to learn from the SARDM winners from
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These innovative
pilot programs were financed by a grant of one million dollars and engaged with
marginalized populations most affected by stigma over a 12-18 month period.
“These remarkable programs have now touched the lives of 100,000 people
across South Asia,” said Julian Schweitzer, the World Bank’s acting Vice
President for Human Development. “From HIV- positive people trained to
use radio journalism to fight discrimination to traditional folk art trying to
change people’s attitude and practice, the results have been very impressive.
At our Knowledge Forum in Delhi this week, we are learning about tried and true
ideas that really work. Our hope is that we can persuade government and
community leaders and others to take these on-board and expand them and take
them nationwide.”
Across the South Asia region, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV and
AIDS. Curative and preventive efforts are undermined by the stigma and
discrimination associated with AIDS. In addressing this very issue the forum
also discussed other barriers to effective HIV prevention by communities.
Sri Lanka is a low HIV prevalence country and the Government and
non-governmental actors like Alliance Lanka and Lanka Plus, the two winners at
the SARDM from Sri Lanka have done a tremendous job of maintaining the low
prevalence, through general awareness building as well as targeted
interventions.
Alliance Lanka’s showcased a project that focused on improving awareness,
education and services on HIV in a “non threatening environment” to facilitate
voluntary counseling and referral for testing. Over 12,000 questionnaires
completed by visitors to the roadside stands show that general awareness of HIV
was high, however, in-depth information about the modes of HIV transmission and
prevention methods was fairly low. “These findings demonstrate that the general
population in the intervention communities are in need of additional efforts to
increase knowledge and awareness of HIV and decrease stigma,” said Swarna
Kodagoda, Project Director of Alliance Lanka
The Lanka Plus project worked towards empowering and reducing self stigma among
Lanka Plus members (of Sri Lanka) through skills training, advocacy for
employment and income generating activities. Under this project a training
program for technical skill building was developed and 20 women were trained in
a pilot marketing project. A website (http://www.lankaplus.org)
for social marketing as well as an income generating activity was launched.
“As a result of the project, the participants‟ self-confidence seems to
have increased, and they continue to apply management skills they learned from
the training to their business ventures,” said Ms. Priyanthi Kumari, Project
Coordinator, Lanka Plus.
Despite these very good interventions high risk factors are prevalent and there
is no room for complacency in Sri Lanka. The key actions required now
are: (a) to maintain effective and continuous surveillance; (b) continue stigma
reduction activities; and (c) to increase coverage of interventions targeted to
high risk vulnerable population groups.
In addition to the SARDM winners who will share their results, community groups
funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s ‘Avahan’ program will also
present their experiences on how to involve community members throughout the
continuum of prevention, treatment and care. The Forum also provides an
opportunity for national programs to discuss their experiences in expanding
prevention programs, and to showcase proven ways for community-based
organizations to work more effectively with media, secure financial backing,
and to monitor and evaluate their programs
“We all know that stigma is an important road block to vulnerable
groups wanting to access HIV/AIDS services. But unfortunately we do not know
enough about how to overcome and tackle stigma. These innovations that have
been done in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh
and Nepal, reach out to about a hundred thousand people which is a remarkable
number and we hope to learn from their success as the experiments and
techniques that have been used are innovative and ground breaking,” said Shabana
Azmi, the renowned film actor and social activist who was the Special Guest
of the World Bank’s at its South Asia Regional Development Marketplace award
ceremony in May, 2008.
“Experience from these grassroots initiatives show that when communities
are engaged and empowered, behavioral and social changes happen, stigma,
discrimination and violence are tackled up front, and barriers to effective HIV
prevention are reduced,” said Paul De Lay, Deputy Executive Director of
UNAIDS, which coordinates the AIDS efforts and resources of ten UN system
organizations to help the world prevent new HIV infections, care for people
living with HIV, and mitigate the impact of the epidemic.
The Sri Lanka Country Director of USAID
and Sri Lanka’s Commissioner
General for Rehabilitation today handed over equipment to help over 550 former
Tamil Tiger combatants to start new civilian jobs in eastern Sri Lanka.
The handover in Batticaloa, which included
canoes, pumps, engines and tool kits for rice paddy cultivation and fishing,
was part of a USAID-funded IOM pilot project to help reintegrate the
demobilized former rebels into civilian life.
The Information, Counseling and Referral
Services (ICRS) project aims to reintegrate up to 1,000 former members of the
armed Tamil groups LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and TMVP (Tamil
Makkal Viduthalai Pulikel).
"Reintegrating former combatants into
society, retraining them and helping them to find jobs and generate income, is
not easy, but is an essential first step towards stabilization, peace and
economic recovery," says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdiker.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, USAID
Sri Lanka Director Rebecca Cohn said "I want to congratulate the
individuals who are here with us today for the important step you have taken in
your lives. We applaud your courage and wish you success, knowing that this can
have a powerful confidence-building effect for the much larger numbers we hope
will embark on a similar journey in the weeks and months ahead."
Commissioner General for Rehabilitation
Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe speaking at the ceremony said: “This is a very
good example reintegration assistance that can be replicated in the Northern Province. It is
important to do community rehabilitation and to stop the labeling of this group
of people.”
The Batticaloa project follows another
pilot reintegration project implemented by IOM at the request of the government
in 2003. The RECLAIM programme successfully helped some 600 former combatants
return to civilian life.
IOM has implemented post-conflict
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes that, over the past 20
years, have helped over 300,000 former combatants and 1.5 million of their
dependents in 25 countries to return to normal civilian lives.
Sri
Lanka has been an IOM member state since 1990 and IOM has had a major
presence in the country, including six sub-offices in the north and east, since
the December 2004 tsunami.In addition
to the reintegration of former combatants, IOM Sri Lanka's activities include
emergency response and reconstruction, technical cooperation in migration
management, capacity building, counter trafficking, and return and
reintegration.
UNFPA Supports Health Services for Resettled Women in Northern Sri Lanka
Share COLOMBO, 9th March 2010 – Getting proper health care is a challenge for thousands of Sri
Lankans who have recently gone home to former conflict zones. UNFPA, the United
Nations Population Fund, is stepping up its support for the health and safety
of women and girls who are returning, particularly those who are pregnant.
At least 2,500 pregnant
women have moved out of camps for displaced since the start of the year,
returning to their homes or moving in with host families. Some 150 will give
birth in the next month, UNFPA estimates.
Health services are limited
in these resettled areas. Most health facilities were damaged during the
conflict that ended last year, and with limited public transport, access to
existing health services continues to be difficult.
In response UNFPA, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health, provincial health officials and the
Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, has begun to operate mobile
reproductive health clinics in resettled areas, offering prenatal and postnatal
care, voluntary family planning, services for HIV prevention and psychosocial
counselling.
In restoring health
infrastructure, UNFPA has provided a range of reproductive health equipment and
supplies to the Mallavi Base Hospital and Kilinochchi General Hospital so that
mothers can deliver their babies safely.
The Fund also continues to
distribute personal hygiene packs for women and girls and maternity kits for
pregnant women to help in maintaining personal hygiene.
After
visiting several
resettlement areas, UNFPA Representative Lene K. Christiansen said,
“UNFPA is
pleased to be working with our partners in restoring health services and
ensuring
that the unique health concerns of women and girls are not overlooked
during
the resettlement process”.
U.S. Funds IOM to Support
Sri Lankan Government Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
COLOMBO, February 12,
2010: The US State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking
in Persons (GTIP) is to fund an IOM
project to help Sri Lanka develop a
national strategy on combating human trafficking, to identify and prosecute trafficking
cases, to protect victims and to improve the country’s collection of
trafficking data.
The USD 300,000 program, which will
build on an earlier US-funded IOM counter trafficking project in Sri Lanka, will
provide training for law enforcement and government officials and technical support for the
government’s anti-trafficking task force to help it to develop a comprehensive national
strategy.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia
Butenis commented, “GTIP grants have been a great tool to build the capacity of
governments to combat trafficking and we look forward to building on our past
work with IOM and the Government of Sri Lanka to eliminate this modern day form
of slavery.”
The project will
work to improve the government’s process of identifying and protecting trafficking
victims by ensuring that they are referred to agencies for appropriate
assistance. The program will also look at establishing shelters and training staff
to work in them.
“This new initiative
will bring together IOM, our partners and the government to comprehensively
tackle the problem of human trafficking and protect some of the most vulnerable
people in our society,” says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdi
Ker.
Previous US-funded IOM
initiatives to curb human trafficking in Sri Lanka have included a series of
nationwide workshops that trained over 1,000 law enforcement officers and NGO
workers to identify, protect and prosecute traffickers, a program that sensitized
judges on the issue, the establishment of a national research centre to help
combat human trafficking and assistance for victims.
Human trafficking is the
third most profitable criminal industry in the world, and is emerging as one of
the most urgent human security issues of today. According to GTIP’s 2009 annual report, human traffickers target men, women and children
by using creative and ruthless schemes to trick, coerce and win the confidence
of potential victims. Victims are forced into harsh domestic labour, prostitution,
or involuntary marriage, and even illegal organ theft.
For
more information contact Anuradhi Navaratnam, 5325 300 (Ext: 348), pnavaratnam@iom.int, Stacey Winston swinston@iom.int or Passanna Gunasekera, 5325 300 (Ext
344/341), pgunasekera@iom.int
The World Bank
Colombo Office invites registered civil society organizations in Sri Lanka to
submit applications for the Civil Society Fund (CSF) 2010
The theme for the
Civil Society Fund 2010 (CSF 2010) is “Development
and Climate Change – Building Community Resilience in the Dry Zone of Sri
Lanka”.
Applications are sought for projects that
will propose innovative mechanisms to adapt to and mitigate climate change
through community based initiatives related to sustainable agricultural
practices at the household level, water management and managing solid waste.
Water scarcity in the
Dry Zone area of Sri Lanka is one of the biggest challenges faced by people
living in this area, which is also a key area of agriculture production.
“Innovative approaches to dealing with the causes and consequences of climate
change will be critical for the future”, said Naoko Ishii, World Bank Country
Director, echoing a key message from the recent 2010 World Development Report
on “Development and Climate Change”
ﾠ
Five grants of up to
US$9,000 each will be awarded this year.ﾠ
ﾠ
Applicant
organizations are asked to describe how a grant from the World Bank might help
them to raise matching funds from other development partners. A cash or in-kind
counterpart from the applicant-organization of, at least, 20 percent of total
cost required and should be reflected in the proposed budget.
ﾠ
Organizations that
have not been supported by the Program in previous years are encouraged to
apply. Organizations are not eligible for more than three grants from the Civil
Society Fund within a five-year period.
Projects will be
assessed by their:
1.ﾠﾠEffectiveness: ability to demonstrate sustainability of proposed
activities through collaborations with other public/private sector
organizations.
2.ﾠﾠFeasibility: show a practical approach with a realistic time line and
budget.
3.ﾠﾠOrganizational Capacity: indicate the skills and capability of the
organizations staff and any previous experience of handling a similar project
of equal size and scale.
4.ﾠﾠCredibility of the organization in the community.
5.ﾠSignificance: Ability of the project to make a difference to the
community it proposes to support and a clear mechanism to report expected
results.
Please note that the
CSF cannot fund research programs, formal academic training programs,
operational projects, ongoing institutional core support (such as equipment
unrelated to the activity), scholarships, fellowships, study programs,
individuals applying on their own behalf, or organizations not categorized as
civil society organizations. Proposed activities should not compete with or
substitute for regular World Bank instruments; they should be clearly
distinguishable from the Bank’s regular programs
ﾠ
All applicants must
be Sri Lankan registered civil society organizations of good standing and have
a record of achievement in the community and a record of financial probity. The
Fund will only accept one application from an organization.
ﾠ
Applications for the
Civil Society Fund and a small booklet titled “Short Course on Proposal
Writing” inEnglish,
Sinhala,
and Tamil
will be available at the reception of the World Bank’s Colombo Office, 73/5,
Galle Road, Colombo 3 and on our website at www.worldbank.lk.ﾠﾠ
ﾠ
To receive copies of
the application form by e-mail and for more information on the CSF, send an
email to infosrilanka@worldbank.org
ﾠor click on the link
below to download all application material from this website in all three
languages.
ﾠ
The deadline for
submission of applications: March 30, 2010.
For more information
about World Bank activities in Sri Lanka, visit:ﾠwww.worldbank.org/lk
USAID Funds IOM Return and Resettlement Operations in Northern Sri Lanka
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced US$3 million in new funding to support IOM’s return and resettlement operations targeting some 77,000 internally displaced people in the north of the country.
The assistance will include transport to allow IDPs to return to their home districts; emergency shelter kits to build temporary housing and transitional shelters; water and sanitation facilities; and the provision of emergency health services across the region.
“Our focus is on vulnerable families, such as female-headed households, the elderly and the disabled. By improving access to shelter, and providing clean water and health care, USAID is providing some of the critical services these people need to begin to rebuild their lives,” said U.S. Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis.
"Thousands of displaced families are returning to their home districts with very little by way of shelter, water, sanitation and basic health services. IOM will tailor this assistance to plug the gaps and meet the most immediate needs in these areas," said IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdi Ker.
Since the humanitarian emergency following the end of the war against the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) in May 2009, IOM has assisted the Sri Lankan authorities in providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and primary health care to thousands of IDPs, mainly in the Menik Farm displacement camp in Vavuniya district.
In late 2009 IOM scaled up its emergency operations at the request of the government to help over 100,000 IDPs return to their home districts from the camp, which previously housed over a quarter of a million people.
There are currently more than 93,000 IDPs remaining in the camp, many of whom are waiting for permission to return home, pending de-mining and removal of unexploded wartime ordnance from hundreds of towns and villages across the North of Sri Lanka.
For more information please contact IOM Sri Lanka: Selina Salkeld +94.11.5325 300 (Ext392), Email: ssalkeld@iom.int; Stacey Winston 5325 300 (Ext 340), Email: swinston@iom.int or Passanna Gunasekera, 5325 300 (Ext 341), Email: pgunasekera@iom.int
Safe water for thousands: 1.66 Billion Rupee water project commissioned in Ampara
COLOMBO 7 January 2010 – Today, the Government of Sri Lanka and UNICEF officially commissioned a new water supply scheme in Ampara district.
The Thirukkovil Water treatment plant will provide safe drinking water to 38,000 people in the Thirukkovil area. In doing so the 1.66 billion rupee project, funded by UNICEF, will play a critical role in safe guarding the health of the region’s children, greatly contributing to the reduction of the incidences of diarrhoea, hepatitis and other water related diseases. While also ensuring that local residents especially women and children, don’t spend hours each day fetching water.
“This project will increase the water coverage from 58 to 90 per cent in this region, greatly improving the quality of life for the people’’ said the Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Al-Haj Athaullah at the opening ceremony.
“Water borne diseases are one of the most serious threats to child health especially when there is limited access to safe water,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle. “Today the health and life of thousands of women and children will be enhanced by giving them access to safe water”. As humanity faces ever greater water challenges and difficulties on sanitation, projects that so greatly increase the supply of safe water become even more important.
The Thirukkovil supply scheme has the capacity to supply 6,500 cubic meters of fully treated drinking water to the Thirukkovil Divisional Secretariat area and suburbs. Before this project there was no reliable safe water supply in the area. Communities were depending on dugwells and other sources of water which covered only 58 per cent of the water supply needs of the region. With the Thirukkovil water supply scheme the coverage will now increase to 90 per cent.
The main components of the new project include:
Sagamam Water Intake, consisting of pump house, generator room, and suction chamber.
Thirukkovil Treatment Plant consisting of the aerator, sedimentator, laboratory, sludge disposal system.
Thamaraikulm site consisting of a 500 cubic meter tank for storing the treated water, generator room, pump house and a 2.7km pipeline connection.
The scheme will distribute water to communities in Thirukkovil, Mandanai, Thambiluvil, Kudinilathidal, Vinayagapuram, Thamaraikulam, Sangamamgramam and Sagamankandy areas.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For more information please contact: Suzanne Davey, Communication Officer – External Relations, UNICEF Sri Lanka, Mobile: 077 316 5378, Office: 94-11-2768555 sdavey@unicef.org
The European Commission (EC), through its implementing partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provides a milk chilling centre for the dairy farmers of Bandaradoowa Village, Uhana, in Ampara, eastern Sri Lanka.
Average household income in Bandaradoowa is currently around LKR 3,180 per month, and of the 309 households, 43 are female headed and two thirds are registered Samurdhi recipients.
The benefits of this centre will be far reaching. Dairy farmers - previously only able to make one milk round per day and suffering much loss of income due to spoilage – will now be able to keep their milk cool, make an additional evening round, and potentially double their income. The project cost over 5.9 million Sri Lankan rupees and will serve some 1,522 beneficiaries, of which 112 dairy farmers in this conflict-affected village directly.
A ceremony to open and hand over Bandaradoowa MCC to the Bandaradoowa Farmer Managed Society will take place at 10.30am on 03.12.2009 at the project site.
Women central to efforts to deal with climate change, says new UN Population Fund report
Colombo, 18 November 2009—Women bear the disproportionate burden of climate change, but have so far been largely overlooked in the debate about how to address problems of rising seas, droughts, melting glaciers and extreme weather, concludes The State of World Population 2009, released today by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.
“Poor women in poor countries are among the hardest hit by climate change, even though they contributed the least to it,” says UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.
The poor are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and the majority of the 1.5 billion people living on $1 a day or less are women. The poor are more likely to depend on agriculture for a living and therefore risk going hungry or losing their livelihoods when droughts strike, rains become unpredictable and hurricanes move with unprecedented force. The poor tend to live in marginal areas, vulnerable to floods, rising seas and storms.
The report draws attention to populations in low-lying coastal areas that are vulnerable to climate change and calls on governments to plan ahead to strengthen risk reduction, preparedness and management of disasters and address the potential displacement of people.
Research cited in the report shows that women are more likely than men to die in natural disasters—including those related to extreme weather—with this gap most pronounced where incomes are low and status differences between men and women are high. The State of World Population 2009 argues that the international community’s fight against climate change is more likely to be successful if policies, programmes and treaties take into account the needs, rights and potential of women.
The report shows that investments that empower women and girls—particularly education and health—bolster economic development and reduce poverty and have a beneficial impact on climate. Girls with more education, for example, tend to have smaller and healthier families as adults. Women with access to reproductive health services, including family planning, have lower fertility rates that contribute to slower growth in greenhouse-gas emissions in the long run.
“With the possibility of a climate catastrophe on the horizon, we cannot afford to relegate the world’s 3.4 billion women and girls to the role of victim,” Ms. Obaid says. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to have 3.4 billion agents for change?”
Peace benefits must be strengthened through economic measures and inclusive reconstruction efforts, says UN Assistant Secretary General
Colombo, November 13, 2009. “We appreciate the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka, in the past few weeks, to accelerate the release and return of IDPs and as agreed with the Secretary General in May, to resettle a majority of the IDPs by January 2010,” said Mr. Ajay Chhibber, UN Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and Assistant Administrator for UNDP, while on a three day mission to Sri Lanka, which concluded today.
The visit, which included a trip to the IDP Welfare Centre in Menik Farm and the ‘Rice Bowl’ in Mannar District, served to update Mr. Chhibber on the recovery needs in Sri Lanka brought on by recent resettlement trends. In Vavuniya, Mr. Chhibber held discussions with the IDPs, civil and military authorities, officials in the District Mine Action Office (DMAO) and demining operators.
The discussion provided an opportunity to see how UNDP could best contribute to the post-resettlement process in view of the magnitude of the displacement and capacity challenges at hand. The ASG visited project sites in Vavuniya where UNDP is providing civil and legal documentation support to the IDPs. In addition, UNDP is also involved in strengthening disaster risk preparedness and environmental protection by supporting construction of drainage networks and reforestation initiatives.
In Colombo, Mr. Chhibber met with senior Government officials and Ministers, including Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights and Hon. M.P. Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Presidential Advisor and the Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Dr. P.B. Jayasundera.
Mr. Chhibber also held exchanges with representatives of the donor community in Sri Lanka and the United Nations Country Team. The visit provided Mr. Chhibber with the opportunity to outline UNDP’s role in the recovery efforts in the coming weeks and months.
UNDP, he said, is already playing an active role in assisting people in the camps and is an important partner of the Government. However, with the increase in the pace of resettlement, UNDP needs to start looking beyond the immediate resettlement process. Considerable assistance will be required to help communities establish sustainable livelihoods and restart their lives.
UNDP, in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, other UN agencies and bi-lateral donors, is in a strong position to contribute to post-resettlement efforts. “With the improving economic situation, Sri Lanka is already seeing some of the benefits of peace. This must be strengthened and consolidated through economic measures and an inclusive reconstruction effort in the North”, he concluded.
IOM works with Government, partners to return IDPs
In close coordination with the government and the UN, IOM has scaled up its logistics and transport operations in the past month to help return some 90,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from the Menik Farms displacement camp to their home districts across northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
The returns, in hundreds of IOM-chartered buses, were funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Australia (AusAID), and at one point reached 4,000 people in a single day.
Destinations included Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara and more recently, Mullativu and Kilinochchi districts. (Tunukai in Mullativu and Poornaky in Kilinochchi have now been identified as safe return areas)
"IOM strongly supports the government's decision to empty the Menik Farms camp and return the IDPs to their home communities by the end of January 2010. We are also planning to work with our partners in the government and the international community to help the IDPs to rebuild their lives after they return home,” says IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdi Ker.
The IOM return operation of the past month brings the number of IDPs to leave Menik Farms, which in July housed about a quarter of a million people, to over 100,000.
"An important aspect of the government’s resettlement plan is to ensure that local authorities are ready to receive the IDPs, to provide protection to vulnerable people and to ensure their access to services,” says IOM Sri Lanka Emergency Operations Manager Giovanni Cassani.
Clearing landmines and unexploded ordinance before the IDPs return home to towns and villages across northern Sri Lanka is a major challenge. IOM, with US$1.3 million of funding from Australia, has provided the government’s humanitarian de-mining unit with 220 mine detectors, helmets and other safety equipment. Part of the money is also helping the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) to hire more de-mining teams.
IOM is also helping returnees through the provision of shelter kits, transitional shelters and water purification systems, as well as clearing wells, and installing drainage and sanitation facilities. It is also setting up temporary health care facilities and strengthening the capacity of local government to cope with the additional needs of the returnees. Post-return, these will include early recovery initiatives and the need for new livelihoods.
In addition to the UK and Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden are also funding various IOM Sri Lanka IDP resettlement projects.
In parallel with the IDP return operation, IOM will continue to address the ongoing humanitarian needs of displaced families still in Menik Farms camp. This support will include the provision of emergency health care, temporary shelter, water and sanitation, camp care and maintenance, distribution of non-food relief items, transport, logistics and IDP registration.
IOM and the Police Department establish a database to counter human trafficking
Colombo, 20 October 2009 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Sri Lanka Police Department have created a database to combat human trafficking.
The database, hosted at the Criminal Records Division, will not only house relevant statistical data but will also be used to update information on trafficking cases progressively, thus helping to track cases and identify similar trends and persons involved in these offences.
“Human trafficking is an issue of growing concern worldwide and more so as of late in Sri Lanka”, says Anuradhi Navaratnam, Programme Manager of IOM Sri Lanka’s Counter Trafficking Unit. “There is a considerable gap in data related to identified and prosecuted cases of human trafficking and it is this gap we are trying to bridge through the development of the database”, adds Anuradhi.
The database is a comprehensive and central data collection system which will capture human trafficking offences and will also assist law enforcement officers to track and prosecute these cases.
Plans are also underway to link the database with other relevant government bodies dealing with cases of human trafficking. “By doing so we hope to bring together all partners and stakeholders to collaborate in combating human trafficking” says Anuradhi. IOM is grateful to the Police Department for the support rendered and for their commitment shown in investigating and prosecuting cases of trafficking.
This Sri Lanka rupees 5.7 million project, funded by the British High Commission, isan integral component of IOM Sri Lanka’s Migration Management assistance portfolio through which IOM supports national initiatives that aim at strengthening the capacity of government and other stakeholders to manage migration more effectively.
International Organization for Migration partners with Institute of Policy Studies to launch: "International Migration Outlook – Sri Lanka 2008"
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) launches the first edition of the “International Migration Outlook – Sri Lanka 2008.“ The report, which is based on a study conducted by IPS, and commissioned by IOM, outlines a comprehensive analysis of the trends, patterns and changes in migration from Sri Lanka in recent years. The report also addresses a longstandingneed of streamlining Sri Lanka’s international migration data for better planning and decision-making in migration management activities in the country.
During the past decade, the numbers of migrants from Sri Lanka – be it for economic, educational, social or political reasons - have increased. So has the importance of challenges brought about by international migration including social change, cultural adaptation, threats to national security and identity and resource allocation.
“Migration must be managed to maximise its benefits and it is the formulation of effective migration management policies that will help determine this,” says Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Sri Lanka’s Chief of Mission. “This being the arena we hope, the statistical information and the analyses of key migration issues in this report will become useful,” adds Abdiker.
“Accurate data on migration are vital to formulate policies related to migration and also for mainstreaming migration to the overall national policies. The information and analysis in this report will certainly assist to sharpen the National Labour Migration Policy of Sri Lanka initiated in late 2008”, says Saman Kelegama, Executive Director of the IPS. The report begins with the institutional framework for migration in Sri Lanka and describes the different types of migration including labour, student, irregular and tourism purposes along with key indicators, facts and figures. The final chapter considers a “way forward” for addressing migration management in Sri Lanka.
“This report recognizes the importance of migration and although it does not provide a complete migration picture in Sri Lanka, it is a progressive step in the right direction for collection and dissemination of migration data which will help inform policies,” says Shantha Kulasekera, IOM Sri Lanka’s Head of Migration Management.
The IPS conducted study is part of a two year capacity building programme implemented by IOM, funded by the European Commission (EC) and the Government of Australia (DIAC), towards the establishment of a coordinated migration data collection system in Sri Lanka.
World Food Day is “no food day” for more than one billion of the world’s hungry
As the number of hungry people shoots past record levels, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today called on the world to remember the more than one billion urgently hungry people with inadequate access to food.
“World Food Day is actually ‘No Food Day’ for almost one out of every six people around the world this year,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran. “Let’s remember that more than one billion people won’t get enough nutritious food to eat today. We can change this - so our challenge is to turn ‘No Food Day’ back into ‘World Food Day’ for the hundreds of millions without food on their table tonight.”
The flow of food aid is at its lowest level in twenty years, while the number of hungry people is growing, due to the combined impact of high food prices, the global financial crisis and increasingly severe weather patterns.
This year, WFP set out to feed 108 million people in 74 countries around the world, but a severe budget shortfall has prompted a reduction of rations to hungry people in some countries, and programme suspensions in others. So far, donors have contributed some US$2.9 billion towards WFP’s 2009 budget of US$6.7 billion.
Sheeran added that for decades, WFP has been able to feed around ten per cent of the world’s hungriest men, women and children, but this year, for the first time, the agency is unlikely to reach that target. As an agency that responds to emergency needs, WFP has also had to meet many unforeseen demands in 2009, such as the response to the recent floods in the Philippines.
In Sri Lanka, WFP is assisting the government in feeding 1.2 million people through its emergency feeding and recovery programmes, including food-for-education, food-for-work and mother-and-child health and nutrition initiatives.
“Food is the most elemental and basic human need, an entitlement that every man, women and child should have,” commented Adnan Khan, WFP Representative. “With the number of hungry people in the world increasing, we must take World Food Day, to rededicate ourselves to the urgent task of finding viable and lasting solutions to global hunger and food insecurity. One billion people do not know where their next meal is coming from, and go to bed hungry. We must give these people real hope that there is the will, the commitment and the energy to redress this imbalance.”
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 108 million people in 74 countries. WFP now provides RSS feeds to help journalists keep up with the latest press releases, videos and photos as they are published on WFP.org. For more details see: http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=999
Channels for internal and international migrants must remain open for South Asians
Colombo, 12 October 2009—Migration within and across borders brings many benefits to South Asia, yet opportunities are often lost due to barriers and constraints to movement, according to the 2009 Human Development Report (HDR)launched in Colombo today.
The Report, Overcoming Barriers: Human mobility and development, shows that migration can have a significant impact on reducing poverty in a country.
Internal Migration This is especially true for internal migration, since it is much easier for people from poor families to move within borders than across them. Internal migration far exceeds the number of people who have moved across country borders. There are problems as well. Rapid urban growth, often associated with internal migration, can pose major challenges. A review of urbanization experiences in South Asia, commissioned for the Report, finds that a number of governments continue to pursue policies aimed at slowing down internal migration. Instead of viewing internal migration as a problem, the Report encourages South Asian countries to view it as a possible solution to development needs that can be managed. In fact, many countries, including Sri Lanka, are linking migration policies to their strategies for reducing poverty.
Costs
Especially in Asia, many migrant workers rely on commercial agents to organize job offers and make other arrangements, such as housing. Overcoming Barriersbelieves that the high fees middlemen demand can be a problem, especially for low-skilled workers. The Report urges South Asian countries to consider ways to reduce these costs and combat corruption in order to see greater gains from movement.
Links to development Migrants’ gains are often shared with their families and communities at home. In many cases this is in the form of cash – remittances. Remittances are very significant for several nations in the region, most notably in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka where they constitute about 16, 10, and 8 percent of GDP, respectively. In 2007, US$ 2,527 million in remittances were sent to Sri Lanka. Average remittances per person were US$ 131, compared with the average for South Asia of US$ 33.The families of migrants may benefit in other ways too. These ‘social remittances,’ as they are called, include reductions in fertility, higher school enrolment rates and the empowerment of women.
Also released as part of the 2009 Human Development Report is the latest Human Development Index (HDI), an indicator of people’s well-being, combining measures of life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and GDP per capita. This year’s HDI, which refers to 2007, for Sri Lanka is 0.759 which gives the country a rank of 102nd out of 182 countries with data. Between 1980 and 2007 Sri Lanka's HDI rose by 0.58% annually from 0.649 to 0.759 today. In terms of life expectancy at birth and adult literacy rate, Sri Lanka ranks 59 and 66 respectively.
At the Sri Lanka launch of the HDR-‘Making Migration work better for Sri Lanka’-Ideas from the Human Development Report’, Mr. Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative stressed the need to mainstream migration into the development strategy of any country, especially those where migration plays a large part in the economy, such as Sri Lanka. Addressing mobility issues accelerates human development’s progress at individual, community, national and global levels, he said. Mr. Buhne also outlined the core package of policy reform described in the Report.The reforms stress rights for migrants, ensure benefits for migrants and destination communities alike, making it easier for people to move.
Mr. S. Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, delivered the keynote address at the Report launch. Mr. Sirisena provided an overview of the development of labour migration in Sri Lanka. Healso mentioned that the Government of Sri Lanka is taking forward the National Labour Migration Policy and has placed particular emphasis on increasing the migration of skilled workers and reducing the outflow of low skilled workers including women workers who are employed as housemaids.
The event concluded with a panel discussion which included migration experts from the Government, academia and the UN system. A range of issues including migrant rights, national policies dealing with migration, and contribution of migration towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals were discussed.
To access the Human Development Report and the complete Press Kit please visit: www.hdr.undp.org
ABOUT THIS REPORT: The Human Development Report continues to frame debates on some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. It is an independent report commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Jeni Klugman is the Lead Author of the 2009 Report. The Report is translated into more than a dozen languages and launched in more than 100 countries annually.The 2009 Human Development Report is published in English by Palgrave Macmillan.
ABOUT HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: Human Development is the expansion of the freedoms that people have to live their lives as they choose. This conception – inspired by the path-breaking work of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and the leadership of Mahbub ul Haq, and known also as the capabilities approach because of its emphasis on the freedom that people have to achieve vital ‘beings and doings’ – has been at the core of UNDP’s approach since the first Human Development Report in 1990, and is as relevant as ever to the design of effective policies to combat poverty and deprivation. This approach has proved powerful in reshaping thinking about topics as diverse as gender, human security and climate change.
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UNHCR concerned about safety of displaced persons in Sri Lanka
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is deeply concerned about reports of security incidents taking place inside camps accommodating internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Sri Lanka.
The most recent incident took place on Saturday, September 26th in the Menik Farm camp, in the district of Vavuniya, when security forces reportedly attempted to stop a group of IDPs from moving between two zones of the camp. This angered the IDPs who subsequently attacked the sentries.
Security personnel then reportedly opened fire to disperse the mob. Several people are said to have been injured, including a child who was hit by a stray bullet and is now paralyzed. There are also reports of several people being detained following the disturbance. UNHCR calls upon the government to ensure the protection and physical security of the IDPs and to undertake a swift investigation into the event.
This latest episode reinforces repeated calls by the UN and the international community to the government of Sri Lanka to accelerate the return process and restore freedom of movement for those displaced who choose to remain in the camps. It also shows the need to implement the host family programme that the government has announced, and which the UN has welcomed, which allows citizens to host IDPs.
Additional efforts are urgently needed to decongest overcrowded camps, particularly as the monsoon season approaches. The rains will lead to flooding of low lying areas of the camps, causing further deterioration of living conditions and posing possible threats to IDPs’ health and safety.
Since June, at the request of the government, UN agencies together with partners have been carrying out work at the Menik Farm IDP sites to prepare them for the rainy season. However, UNHCR has advised the government that the sites are not adequately equipped to cope with the monsoons given the number of IDPs residing there.
Menik Farm consists of seven zones and is one of 21 closed camps spread across the Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee districts. The camps accommodate more than 250,000 persons displaced by conflict. A government security screening process aimed at separating ex-combatants from civilians means that residents of the camps have no freedom of movement.
UNHCR acknowledges the government’s release of some 15,000 IDPs from the camps since early August, including many vulnerable individuals, either to host families or to their homes as part of its ongoing 180-day return plan. The agency is calling on the government to expedite the screening process and to increase the rate of releases from the camps.
UNHCR is also concerned about the approximately 3,300 IDPs who were transferred to new closed transit camps in their districts of origin mid-September rather than being returned to their homes. While a brief transit in the district of origin might be required, some IDPs have been in these transit sites for more than two weeks.
Discussions between the UN refugee agency and the government on the resettlement process are continuing and UNHCR UNHCR will provide return assistance as soon as IDPs are allowed to return to their homes. / END
For further information on these topics, please contact:
In Sri Lanka: Sulakshani Perera, at +941 126 83 968 or +94 777 272 494 In Geneva: Hélène Caux, at 41 22 739 7932 or 41 79 21 73 193
European Union provides new secondary school in Ampara
The European Union provides a new secondary school building for 300 children and 13 teachers of Ameer Ali village, in Ampara, eastern Sri Lanka.
Prior to the new school building, students and teachers conducted classes in a temporary shed. The school lacked adequate toilet facilities and was without a perimeter wall which meant that it was difficult for teachers to monitor the whereabouts of students and cattle often wandered into the school grounds.
In 2007, the Department of Education granted permission to upgrade the school from primary to secondary level. One of the main driving forces for this decision was the fact that school drop outs were averaging 40 to 45 students per year, most of whom were female.
This project, costing over 7.2 million rupees and made possible by the European Union through its implementing partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM),under the Community Livelihoods Support Programme (CLSP), includes a two storey school building with classrooms, store rooms, landscaping and site development, including drainage. The school will now cater for children from Grade 1 through to Grade 9, and with this expansion, the number of students who are expected to benefit from the project will invariably rise significantly in the coming years.
“The school was upgraded by the Department of Education in order to try to reduce drop outs but the classrooms and facilities were not adequate to accommodate more students. We sought assistance from the European Union and IOM, and the result of their support is this majestic building. We are very happy with the results,” explains Mr. A.H.M. Jesin, principal of the school.
European Union-CLSP facts:
oEU grants LKR 7.2 million for the construction of the school
oNew secondary school will include a two-storey building
oOver 300 students will now be able to study up to Grade 9
A ceremony to open and hand over the secondary school to the
Ameer Ali School Development Society will take place at 10.30am on 1 October 2009 at the school site. The Zonal Director of Education, Divisional Secretary, staff of the school, and officials of the education department will attend this momentous occasion alongside the community.
MEDIA STATEMENT:
Freedom of movement for a quarter of a million displaced, UN Representative discusses with Sri Lankan government
“Restoration of freedom of movement for more than 250,000 internally displaced persons held in closed camps in Northern Sri Lanka is becoming a matter of urgency, and I remain very concerned about the very slow pace of releases”, the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Walter Kaelin, highlighted at the end of a three-day return visit to Sri Lanka.
During his recent visit the Representative followed up on the discussions of Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe, with the Government of Sri Lanka t in order to explore how the protection of the human rights of the displaced could be strengthened and the present delays in camp releases addressed.
“I continue to welcome the Government’s stated intention that 70–80% of the displaced shall be allowed to return by the end of the year. In this regard, I was impressed by the Government’s massive demining and reconstruction efforts that I witnessed in the Mannar rice bowl,” he said.
“It is imperative to immediately take all measures necessary to decongest the overcrowded camps in Northern Sri Lanka with their difficult and risky living conditions. The IDPs should be allowed to leave these camps and return voluntarily and in freedom, safety and dignity to their homes. If this is not possible in the near future, the displaced must be allowed to stay with host families or in open transit sites”, the Representative said. “This is particularly important as the monsoon season is approaching. The camps, which were set up to respond to an immediate emergency, are not equipped to deal with heavy rains. The expected flooding of low-lying areas in the upcoming weeks is likely to cause serious threats to health and life,” Kaelin added.
The Representative, while appreciating that his interlocutors in the Government shared these goals, called upon the Government to translate its commitments into action without further delay. “Restoration of freedom of movement is important to gain the confidence of the Tamil community and enable the building of a sustainable peace” the Representative said. He added: “In this context an incident reported by the Sri Lankan Army on 26 September involving the use of firearms to control a group of internally displaced persons trying to move from one camp zone to another that resulted in injuries to two persons raises serious human rights issues. It also underscores how interning people in large and overcrowded camps not built for prolonged stays is in itself a factor detrimental to security.”
According to international law, legitimate and imperative security concerns may justify the internment of civilians during the height of a conflict, but it must not last longer than absolutely necessary to respond to these security concerns. Internment decisions must further be made on an individual rather than a group basis. Those who are not released must be informed about the reasons on an individual basis and be given a genuine opportunity to have this decision reviewed by an independent body.
In light of these standards and the need to properly balance security concerns with the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Representative urged the Government again to take prompt action. “I acknowledge the scope of the task that the Government confronted at the end of the military operations in May, but also observe the passage of time and the vast improvement of the security situation. Given these factors, immediate and substantial progress in restoring freedom of movement for the displaced is an imperative if Sri Lanka is to respect the rights of its citizens and comply with its commitments and obligations under international law”, he emphasized.
To address obstacles to the Government’s stated goal of decongesting these camps and allow for the return to their homes of the large majority of displaced families who do not pose a security threat, the Representative made several concrete suggestions. First, he called for an improvement of the screening procedures: “I remain particularly concerned about the slow pace of identifying those in the camps who do not pose a threat to security and the lack of transparent criteria in this regard. Such persons must not be subjected to renewed confinement and screening in districts of return. Only their immediate release from the camps will comply with the international law standards to which Sri Lanka has freely subscribed”, the Representative emphasized. Second, he recommended to pursue in parallel different options: returning displaced persons to their homes, releasing IDPs– in particular persons with special needs and their families - to host families, and establishing open relief centres in transit areas for those with nowhere else to go. “Legitimate security concerns can be addressed by other control measures than keeping people in closed camps,” Kaelin added.
The Representative recalled the importance of ensuring IDPs’ and humanitarian workers’ access to information. Information is essential to enable the displaced to learn about the fate of family members who are still separated from their relatives or were taken away for rehabilitation purposes, to assess their own situation in the camps, and to make an informed decision about their future. The right to voluntary return in safety and dignity, which is recognized by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, also demands that those returning are properly informed about the modalities of the return process and the situation in home areas -- including through the “go and see” visits envisaged by the Government, which are welcomed by the Representative.
Close and constructive cooperation and information sharing between the Government and humanitarian and development actors are the most promising ways to address these challenges in the coming weeks. The Representative also welcomed the readiness of donors to support all measures allowing IDPs to find a durable solution to their displacement. In this context, he highlighted that continued international support for humanitarian demining in areas of return is critical.
Finally, the Representative recalled the fate of those IDPs, including many Muslims, who have been displaced 20 or more years ago, and the need to include them into reconstruction programmes. “Finding durable solutions for all of Sri Lanka’s displaced in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement must remain the ultimate goal of the Government”, Walter Kaelin concluded.
Walter Kaelin, professor of law at the University of Bern (Switzerland), has been the Representative of the Secretary General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons since 2004.Learn more about the mandate and work of the Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/idp/index.htm
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Media UnitRupert Colville, Spokesperson: + 41 22 917 9767
Xabier Celaya, Information Officer: + 41 22 917 9383For inquiries and media requests: press-info@ohchr.org
UN Population Fund Opens Family Health Clinics in Manik Farm
COLOMBO, 22nd September 2009 – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in collaboration with the Family Health Bureau of the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition and the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL), opened five family health clinics in five zones of the Manik Farm camp on 18th September at a ceremony attended by UNFPA Representative, Director of Family Health Bureau, Executive Director of FPASL and other health ministry officials.
The family health clinics will provide antenatal and postnatal exams, voluntary family planning, emergency deliveries by skilled birth attendants and psychosocial counselling, among other services. With an estimated 5,000 pregnant women in the camps, out of whom 400 will give birth within the next 4 weeks, the family health clinics will play a critical role in safeguarding the health of these women.
“UNFPA is extremely delighted to be part of this initiative in providing easy access to essential reproductive health services for women and girls within the camps themselves, and to continue to work in ensuring that their reproductive health needs are not overlooked”, said Ms. Lene K. Christiansen, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the camp based clinics, UNFPA will continue to conduct mobile reproductive health clinics offering similar services to the family health clinics, among the displaced populations in Vavuniya. Personal hygiene packs will also continue to be distributed to displaced women and girl as well as maternity kits for pregnant women, and reproductive health equipment and supplies for hospitals providing lifesaving obstetric care for displaced women before, during and after childbirth. Further, support includes various capacity building initiatives including the training of medical officers of maternal and child health to integrate sexual reproductive health services in crisis.
European Union funds the reconstruction of Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam
Colombo - 22 September 2009 – The students of Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam are ushering in a new era of hope today with the inauguration of their newly reconstructed school building in Vakarai, 62 kilometers from Batticaloa, on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
The European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education through its implementing partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), supported the school reconstruction under the Community Livelihood Support Programme, which is part of the European Union's overall Tsunami Aid programme.
“Vakarai Maha Vidyalaya was shifted to a safer area after the tsunami and functioning in semi permanent learning facilities until today when the EU, through IOM, completed the construction of a completely new school”, says the Minister of Education Hon. Susil Premajayantha. “I have no doubt that the newly built modernized school will stand out as our strength and inspiration in overcoming challenges of the tsunami,- a model school for the future,” he adds.
The EUR 1.88 million (approximately LKR 300 million) school reconstruction project financed under the European Union's EUR 147 million (LKR 24.2 billion) tsunami recovery aid package comprises permanent buildings for primary and secondary sections; an assembly hall; a library; science, computer, vocational and technology laboratories; administration offices; a language centre; aesthetics rooms, and a canteen.
The government contributed the furniture and equipment for the school buildings worth nearly EUR 59,000 (LKR 10 million).
“It is with great pleasure that the Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam is gifted to the present and future students from the generous people of Europe as a token of their long standing friendship with Sri Lanka. The European Union firmly believes that the new and improved facilities of the school will be benefitted by the students in the years to come”, says the Ambassador to the Delegation of the European Commission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E. Bernard Savage.
Today, Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam is the largest primary and secondary school in eastern Sri Lanka. Over 700 students from Grades 1 through 13 will benefit from the school’s modern facilities.
“IOM is pleased to partner with the European Union and the Ministry of Education in implementing the construction of this modern education institute for students and teachers who have overcome; the devastation of the tsunami and the impact from years of conflict. They will now have greater opportunity to excel in education with hope for the future”, says IOM Sri Lanka’s Chief of Mission, Mohammed Abdi Ker.
“This reconstruction work on one of the largest schools in the eastern Province is a commendable example of international cooperation, together with the participation of government, non-government and community organizations irrespective of ethnic or religious differences”, says H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in his message to celebrate the opening.
The grand opening ceremony of the school which stands as a monument to triumph over adversity for the people of Vakarai, and the next generation of Sri Lankans, will take place on 22 September 2009 at the school premises among a large gathering of distinguished guests representing the government, European Union, IOM and school officials and most importantly - the teachers and students.
UNICEF Executive Director, defends UNICEF’s voice for children in Sri Lanka
NEW YORK, 7 September 2009 – “UNICEF is extremely concerned and disappointed with the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to expel UNICEF’s chief of communications in Sri Lanka, James Elder.
“UNICEF has always upheld the principle of impartial advocacy and communication on behalf of children as a fundamental part of its global mandate. “Through Mr. Elder, UNICEF has consistently spoken out against the suffering of children on both sides of the intense hostilities earlier this year and called for their protection.
UNICEF unequivocally rejects any allegation of bias. “UNICEF will continue to uphold its mandate in Sri Lanka, and elsewhere, to advocate and speak out on behalf of vulnerable children and women."
For further information, please contact: Christopher de Bono, UNICEF NY, Tel + 1 212 303 7984; E-mail: cdebono@unicef.org Patrick McCormick, UNICEF NY, Tel + 1 212 326 7426; E-mail: pmccormick@unicef.org
UK lends support to rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants
On Friday 4 September 2009, The British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes and the Head of International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr. Mohammed Abdiker signed an agreement for approximately Rs.17 million of UK's support towards the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-combatants in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Hon. Milinda Moragoda.
The Minister of Justice welcomed the support provided by the British High Commission to the Government of Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Justice and in particular the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation has been working closely with the International Organization for Migration to develop a community oriented demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme. The programme focuses on strengthening capacity, support to receptor communities and an active involvement of the private sector to build sustainable solutions.
High Commissioner Hayes said, "The UK fully supports efforts to ensure sustainable rehabilitation of former combatants. This will be critical to reconciliation efforts following the end of the war and will underpin a transition to sustainable peace."
The funding is drawn from the Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP) of the UK government, which is jointly managed by the Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence.
FAO cleaning coral reef in Weligama Bay
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources launched a programme to clean the Kapparathota Coral Reef in Weligama Bay.
The initiative aims to improve the quality and condition of the Kapparathota coral reef, contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources in Sri Lanka and ensuring that the multiple and exotic species dependent on this magnificent marine habitat are protected. In addition, the programme will promote closer linkages among the management authorities, improve communication among stakeholders and provide a platform for future development and conservation of the marine aquarium fishers and coral reef habitats.
The programme funded by the Canada International Development Agency (CIDA) / International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) is part of a project to enhance the capacity of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
A resource survey of marine aquarium species recently carried out under the CIDA/IFAD/FAO project revealed that most coral reef habitats in the southern coast of Sri Lanka have been seriously degraded, posing a significant risk to the sustainable continuity of the fisheries industry. High pollution levels and physical damage to coral reefs have lowered their potential to recover. These findings were presented at two stakeholder meetings held in the Matara District, where unanimous consensus was reached to take action. As a result, efforts are underway and will continue through this clean up programme to save the Kapparathota Coral Reef, which is the last remaining living, extensive reef in the Southern coast.
Coral reefs are the breeding and nursery grounds for a large number of marine species. In addition, they provide coastal protection, are important for coastal tourism and for the marine fish industry. In the recent past, coral reefs are being degraded on a global scale due to man-made and natural causes. Destructive fishing methods, coastal development and uncontrolled resource exploitation has had a serious negative impact on the status of coral reefs and subsequently the marine life that depends on these reefs. Coral reefs (including those in Sri Lanka) were further affected in 1998 during the widespread coral bleaching event and the 2004 tsunami. Their recovery has been slow and variable.
Key stakeholders who participated at this launch included the Weligama Divisional Secretariat, Fisheries Officers from Matara and Galle, and representatives from the Weligama Urban Council and Food Association of Tourism Service Providers.
IOM provides transport for IDPs to return home
In response to a request made by the Government of Sri Lanka, the International Organization (IOM) provided over twenty five-leased buses to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of over 1,600 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their native villages in Eralakulam Eravur Pattu DS Division, in the Batticaloa district.
For these families, this will be a welcome return home after being displaced for over three years. Tuesday’s (18 August) batch of resettlements will be one of the last in the government's efforts to resettle persons displaced during the recently-ended conflict in Batticaloa.
The IDP families, who were living with relatives or in displacement camps in Sittandy, some 32 kilometres from the Batticaloa town, fled their villages in 2006 in the wake of intensified fighting between government armed forces and the LTTE rebels to settle in safer locations.
“IOM commends the government on its resettlement plan and reiterates its commitment to support the humanitarian response operations as needs evolve’, says IOM Sri Lanka’s Chief of Mission, Mr Mohammed Abdi Ker.
The 1,600 IDPs will return to a safer community than when they left as the government only allows resettlement after the clearing of minefields, so families can return knowing they have a safer place to resume their lives and livelihoods.
Plans are also underway to provide temporary shelters, - an immediate need - in the resettlement areas. As men, women and children, board buses to return to their villages, another batch of IDPs await resettlement in the same district in the coming weeks.
IOM remains at the ready to further assist the government in helping families safely return home.
India contributes relief items towards UN operations in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (17 August 2009) – The United Nations has received a generous donation of relief items by the Government of India to assist hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as those returning to their homes in Sri Lanka.
The 600-Metric ton consignment, including plastic mats, jerry cans, items of clothing and footwear as well as packets of spices, was transported by sea to Sri Lanka last Saturday (8th August 2009) and handed over to the World Food Programme (WFP) and The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to facilitate delivery. The agencies will distribute them among the population of concern in the north and east during the coming weeks and months with a particular focus on those returning to their homes under the Government’s 180-day plan.
“This contribution is extremely important now,” said Neil Buhne, UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator. “The goods provided will help to meet the needs of the displaced in the welfare centres, but can also be used to support the return of the displaced to their homes. We are very grateful to the Indian government for helping us to better support the national effort to help the IDPs return to their normal life.”
The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka to protect and assist some 500,000 displaced persons in the country, through the distribution of food and non-food items as well as the provision of shelter, education, health and livelihoods etc. with the ultimate objective of ensuring their safe return home.
IOM backs government efforts to improve skills of migrant housekeepers / domestic aides and caregivers
IOM is backing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare (MFEPW) to improve housekeeper/domestic help and caregiver training courses to upgrade the skills of migrant workers and enhance their earning potential abroad.
The majority of Sri Lankan migrant workers are women, many of whom work as housemaids, primarily in the Arabian Gulf. The remittances that they send home are critical to Sri Lanka’s economy and in 2008 reached an estimated US $2.9 billion.
“Housekeeping and caregiving are two of the ten fastest growing occupations worldwide and there is growing demand for people with these skills in rich countries. The government recognizes that comprehensive pre-departure training will increase demand for Sri Lankan workers in this field, says IOM Sri Lanka’s Chief of Mission Mohammed Abdi Ker.
The training, which IOM has helped the MFEPW to develop following an extensive consultative process with government and the private sector, includes the development of job profiles, the entry requirements for courses, vocational training standards, curriculum and training of trainer modules.
“The enhanced training will not only send better prepared migrants. Their newly acquired knowledge will also improve their understanding of their rights and protect them from abuses”, says Shantha Kulasekera, IOM Sri Lanka’s Head of Migration Management.
The MFEPW plans to streamline the pre-departure training of migrant workers by asking all training providers to adopt the new standards and curriculum. It also intends to introduce a credible testing and evaluation system to ensure that any worker leaving Sri Lanka to work in the two sectors has successfully completed the relevant training and received a certificate. “The contribution and efforts of IOM Sri Lanka in improving the vocational skills of migrants have been timely and is a significant step forward in the right direction for the betterment of our migrant workers,” says Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare.
In addition to the two training courses, IOM has also helped to develop 25 Sri Lankan Worker Profiles for occupations in high demand abroad.The profiles are useful tools for the promotion of Sri Lankan workers abroad, outlining the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected in occupations in the hospitality, construction and janitorial sectors.
In addition to improving pre-departure training, IOM also helps the government in assessing labour migration challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka, and conducts labour market research on opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Sri Lankans abroad.
UNICEF supports anti-measles campaign for children in Vavuniya camps
Vavuniya 2 August 2009 - More than 36,000 internally displaced children in camps will be vaccinated against measles in a special ‘child health campaign’ launched this week. In a joint effort with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and a coalition of other partners the campaign aims to counter the sporadic cases of measles which have occurred in the past months and prevent risk of further outbreak.
The campaign will target all children under 5 years. Nearly 100 public health midwives and 1200 volunteers will participate at 30 centres in Vavuniya. This follows several weeks of preparations to pre-position immunization supplies, train health workers and mobilize volunteers.
‘Child health remains a key priority for the Government of Sri Lanka, we are committed to ensuring that the IDP population is protected’ said Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr Athula Kahandaliyanage.
Speaking today at a special measles training for health workers, the Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Ajith Mendis, thanked all of those involved in the campaign, particularly UNICEF, and urged all parents in camps to have their children vaccinated at the nearest centre.
Together with immunization against measles, children will be given a dose of vitamin A and de-worming tablets – two additional life saving interventions aimed at raising a child’s resistance against many diseases and preventing malnutrition, while freeing them from worms.
Children will also be given the polio vaccine. ‘Children under five are the most vulnerable part of a population especially in emergencies; this campaign will help save lives’ said Desiree Jongsma, Acting UNICEF Country Representative. She commended the joint efforts by the Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition, the Epidemiology Unit and all partners on this important initiative.
The measles campaign is being implemented with the generous contribution of DFID.
Globally measles remains one of the major causes of childhood illness and a leading cause of child deaths especially in countries undergoing or recovering from emergencies. Immunization activities, together with vitamin A supplementation, are the most effective means of reducing mortality during and after complex emergencies.
Brazil contribution for UNHCR non-food response among IDPs in Sri Lanka
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomes a generous donation by Brazil of US$50,000 (approximately Rs. 5.6 million) towards responding to the non-food needs of hundreds of thousands displaced during the final months of conflict in Sri Lanka, especially for women and children.
UNHCR and its partners are supporting the Government of Sri Lanka with providing protection and assistance to some 280,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) accommodated in 32 emergency shelter sites in the country’s north and east. This latest donation will specifically be utilized towards providing clothing for the displaced population including skirts, blouses, gowns, children’s clothing, etc.
Following the surge in displacement in the north during the first half of this year, UNHCR made an urgent appeal to the international community to support emergency response operations through donations - in cash or kind.
“The end of the three decade long conflict in Sri Lanka was received with joy in Brazil; the Brazilian Government is glad to help to improve the situation of the IDPs and to add its contribution to a better, brighter future for them and for this country”, said Brazilian Ambassador, Mr. Pedro Henrique Lopes Borio.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General visits Sri Lanka to discuss recovery process
Mr. Jordan Ryan, Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), recently concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka.The purpose of his visit was to consult officials and the UN country team, gain insights in the current situation in Sri Lanka and explore ways in which the UN could contribute to the recovery process.
During his visit to the country between 12-15 July, Mr. Ryan travelled to the Northern districts of Vavuniya and Jaffna. Mr. Ryan visited two IDP welfare centers at Menik Farm in Vavuniya. In addition to discussions with the IDPs his visit included consultations with civil and military authorities on ways to accelerate the immediate recovery process in the district and hasten the return of IDPs to their homes. In Jaffna, the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) visited an IDP welfare centre and a few UNDP project locations including Suthanthirapuram, a resettlement site where UNDP is providing assistance with respect to housing and livelihood working closely with the community. He praised the joint interventions by the Government and UNDP as a “sustainable way of doing recovery”.
In Colombo, the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) met with senior Government Ministers including Hon. MP Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Presidential Advisor, Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights and Hon. Rishad Baduideen, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services as well as officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also held exchanges with civil society representatives and women’s rights activists.
Mr. Ryan congratulated the Government on its efforts to lead the recovery and resettlement process.With the Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe he discussed the importance of effective protection mechanisms and a zero tolerance policy on harassment to ensure safety and security of all vulnerable populations in the camps. The Minister informed him that the Government is fully aware of the issues and is currently working to address them through measures such as the strengthening of the Human Rights Commission office in Vavuniya.
The Hon. MP Rajapaksa informed Mr. Ryan of the Government’s 180-day plan and assured him that the Government is fully committed to resettling the majority of the IDPs within the 180-day period. The Hon. MP further clarified that people will be moved as soon as demining is completed and basic infrastructure is put in place.Mr. Ryan assured the Hon. MP Rajapaksa of UNDP’s commitment to assist the recovery process through a combination of interventions ranging from support to livelihoods and housing to strengthening the capacity of local government administration to coordinate and manage the recovery effort as well as initiatives to promote community harmony.
WFP welcomes generous US$7.4 million donation from Japan
14 July 2009, COLOMBO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a vital contribution from the Government of Japan, to assist displaced and conflict-affected people in the north and eastern part of Sri Lanka. The US$ 7.4 million (Rs. 833 million) donation has been used to procure much needed rice and canned fish for IDP’s, many of whom have experienced multi-displacements.
Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Kunio Takahashi, handed over the donation - which included 6,300 metric tons of rice and 130 metric tons of canned fish. Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Advisor to H.E. the President, Mr. W.K.K. Kumarasiri, Secretary of the Ministry of Nation Building & Estate Infrastructure Development (MNBEID), and Mr. Adnan Khan, WFP Representative, accepted the donation on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.
“We are very grateful for this donation from the government of Japan to help feed the vulnerable people in Sri Lanka,” commented Adnan Khan. “Japan is one of the largest donors to WFP Sri Lanka, particularly for our emergency operations,” he continued, adding that the donation will enable WFP to assist nearly 280,000 people for more than three months under WFP’s Vulnerable Group Feeding Program (VGF), which provides beneficiaries with three, nutritional daily meals.
Khan also said that the introduction of canned fish in the IDPs diet would be an additional protein source for the IDPs, whilst noting that WFP is presently facing a shortfall of US$ 15.2 million to cover humanitarian needs until the end of the year, and is proactively seeking funds from the international donor community to avoid pipeline breaks in August.
Mr. Kumarasiri remarked that, “Now, more than ever, the internally displaced people need humanitarian support, and once again, Japan has come to the fore.” “WFP and the Ministry of Nation Building has collaborated in assisting the IDPs, and I look forward to continuing the valuable partnership that has been forged with the Government of Japan.”
H.E. Mr. Kunio Takahashi remarked that, “it is our sincere hope that the rice provided under this assistance programme would meet the basic food needs of the displaced people and ease the difficulties faced by them. Japan has been making every possible effort to contribute to the peace-building and the development process of Sri Lanka, particularly in the conflict affected areas”.
Mr. Rajapaksa thanked Ambassador Takahashi for his government’s generous donation. “This donation is very timely and will provide much needed food commodities for the ongoing emergency programme in the North. I appreciate this gesture of goodwill from the Japanese community,” he said.
WFP is assisting the Government of Sri Lanka in feeding 1.2 million people through its emergency feeding and recovery programmes, including food-for-education, food-for-work and mother-and-child health and nutrition.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN’s frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed around 100 million people in 77 countries.
WFP now provides RSS feeds to help journalists keep up with the latest press releases, videos and photos as they are published on WFP.org.
For more details see: http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=999. WFP now has a dedicated ISDN line in Italy for quality two-way interviews with WFP officials.
For more information please contact : Paulette Jones, Donor Relations Officer, WFP Sri Lanka, Tel. +94 11 4740350 ext. 2480 Adnan Khan, Country Director, WFP Sri Lanka, Tel. +94 11 4740350 ext. 2100 Marcus Prior WFP/Bangkok, Tel. +66-2-6554115, Cell. +66-81-836 9482 Natasha Scripture, WFP/Rome, Tel. +39 06 6513 3146, Cell +39 340 466 3480 Caroline Hurford, WFP/London, Tel. +44-20-72409001, Cell. +44-7968-008474
United States government donates additional funds to WFP’s Sri Lanka operations
14 July 2009, COLOMBO–
A donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), consisting of US$14 million (Rs.1, 600 million) worth of food supplies, has been warmly hailed by the United Nations World Food Programme. WFP said that the much-needed food commodities will be distributed to displaced and conflict-affected people in northern Sri Lanka who are currently accommodated in temporary welfare villages.
The U.SChargé d’Affaires to Sri Lanka, James R. Moore, handed over the donation, which totals some 3,750 metric tons (MT) of lentils, 1,040 MT of vegetable oil and 14,700 MT of wheat.Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Advisor to H.E. the President, Mr. W.K.K. Kumarasiri, Secretary of the Ministry of Nation Building & Estate Infrastructure Development (MNBEID), and Mr. Adnan Khan, WFP Representative, accepted the donation on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.
“This donation comes at crucial time, and will allow WFP to continue with our important humanitarian interventions to assist the IDP’s, who have undergone extreme hardships,” said Adnan Khan. “The U.S. is the largest donor to WFP Sri Lanka and to our emergency operations, and this contribution demonstrates a commitment to partnering with the Government of Sri Lanka and the humanitarian community in peace building and reconstruction efforts.”
WFP says the USAID donation will allow the agency to assist 300,000 people for more than eight months under its Vulnerable Group Feeding Program, but added that additional pledges and contributions are urgently needed. The agency is currently facing a shortfall of US$ 15.2 million to cover humanitarian needs until the end of the year. Khan stated that WFP is proactively seeking funds from the international donor community to avoid pipeline breaks and possible ration cuts from August onwards.
Secretary of the Ministry of Nation Building & Estate Infrastructure Development (MNBEID), Mr. W.K.K. Kumarasiri described the donation as “a critical and significant contribution that will help consolidate the progress already made in improving the nutritional status and well-being of the IDPs.”
“Our donation will provide temporary relief to those staying in IDP camps, and will support efforts to return those displaced by the conflict to their homes as quickly as possible,” stated Moore.“We strongly support the desire of the Government of Sri Lanka to return IDPs to their homes safely and quickly so they can begin to rebuild their communities,” he continued.
Senior Advisor, Mr. Rajapaksa thanked Chargé Moore for his government’s donation and gesture of goodwill, and commented that U.S. support is vital in helping to respond to the urgent needs of the displaced peoples in the north. “We look forward to a long and positive humanitarian collaboration with the U.S.,” Rajapaksa added.
WFP is assisting the Government of Sri Lanka in feeding 1.2 million people through the emergency feeding programme and recovery programmes including food-for-education, food-for-work and mother-and-child health and nutrition.
WFP now provides RSS feeds to help journalists keep up with the latest press releases, videos and photos as they are published on WFP.org. For more details see: http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=999.
WFP now has a dedicated ISDN line in Italy for quality two-way interviews with WFP officials.
For more information please contact (email address: Adnan Khan, Country Director, WFP Sri Lanka, Tel. +94 11 4740350 ext. 2100 Paulette Jones, WFP Donor Relations Officer, Tel + +94 11 4740350 ext. 2480 Marcus Prior, WFP Regional Public Information Officer, Bangkok, Tel. +66-2-6554115
HSBC Pledges Rs.4.1Million in support of UNHCR’s relief efforts in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 14th July 2009 - HSBC, yesterday pledged Rs 4.1 Million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to support non-food relief response among the internally displaced population in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
The funds will be utilized for the procurement of non-food relief items such as bed sheets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, towels, slippers and clothing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North and East. HSBC's contribution towards this humanitarian project was made possible, through
Staff donations of one day’s salary Rs.1, 063,331.74
Matching donation from HSBC rupee for rupee Rs.1, 063,331.74 and
In addition HSBC pledging Rs 2,000,000.00.
Speaking at the event at the UNHCR Representation Office in Colombo, Nick Nicolaou Chief Executive Officer HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said. "The HSBC Group makes significant philanthropic contributions both centrally through initiatives, like the HSBC Climate Partnership and Future First, and through local community focused programmes. We focus on educational and environmental programmes where we can build long-term relationships and make a significant difference, and as such, we are happy to play a role in the relief efforts taken to restore the lives of the people in these communities.” He also appreciated the ongoing efforts undertaken by UNHCR in managing the current humanitarian situation.
The bank has supported many projects to improve the lives of At Risk communities. One of its flagship projects is the global education initiative launched in 2007, to empower disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka through business literacy and English language programmes, as well as the United National Global Compact and UN Millennium Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty through microfinance projects.
In addition, HSBC has supported and provided emergency disaster relief and assisted in rebuilding the lives of Tsunami victims and Ratnapura flood victims in the past.
UNHCR strives to ensure that durable solutions are provided to some 600,000 persons displaced during 25 years of conflict in the country. The agency is currently focused on supporting the Government of Sri Lanka with responding to the needs of some 280,000 persons displaced in parts of the north in the last several months, with the ultimate objective of ensuring their safe return home.
Investing in the health and education of women as the global economic crisis deepens
COLOMBO, 10 July 2009 – World Population Day on 11 July stresses the importance of investing in the health and education of women as the global financial and economic crisis threatens to push 200 million people back into poverty. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, calls to make health and education of women a political and developmental priority.
The theme of this year’s World Population Day, “Responding to the economic crisis: why investing in women is a smart choice”, provides a chance to focus on the importance of investing in women and girls.
The global economic crisis threatens to reverse hard won-gains in education and health.As women represent the majority of the world’s poor they will face increased health risks especially if they are pregnant.
In her World Population Day message, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, said “today, complications of pregnancy and childbirth are leading killers of women in the developing world. And maternal mortality represents the largest health inequity in the world. This health gap will only deepen unless we increase social investments, maintain health gains and expand efforts to save more women’s lives”.
“Investing in reproductive health, in particularly, will help women and girls avoid unwanted or early pregnancy, unsafe abortions as well as pregnancy related disabilities. This would mean that women stay healthier, are more productive and have more opportunities for education, training and employment, which in turn benefits entire families, communities and nations”, the Executive Director added further.
Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress in achieving universal access to primary education and healthcare. With a literacy rate of 89.2 per cent, life expectancy at 77 years for women and maternal mortality ratio of 44.3 per 100,000 live births, Sri Lanka shows that with the right investments women’s well being can be improved even prior to achieving high levels of economic development. The current crisis is an opportunity to improve the quality of these systems and make them more cost-efficient.
UNFPA has been working Sri Lanka for almost four decades to strengthen the quality of maternal and newborn care and remains committed to support the government in its efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, advance women’s empowerment and gender equality particularly in under-served areas.
Australia Supports UN Population Fund in Providing Health Care for Displaced Sri Lankan Women
COLOMBO, 15th June 2009 – The Australian Government will donate US$383,400 (AUD 500,000) to support efforts by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to meet the health needs of thousands of women displaced by the conflict in northern Sri Lanka.
About 75,000 of the 280,000 recently displaced people living in camps in the area are women and girls of reproductive age who need basic hygiene support and reproductive health care; an estimated 6,000 are pregnant and in urgent need of services including potentially lifesaving obstetric care.
The funding will enable UNFPA to work with government health authorities to set up family health clinics in each of the five zones of the Menik Farm camp, which accommodates the largest number of displaced people. These clinics will exclusively serve women, providing antenatal and postnatal exams, emergency deliveries by skilled birth attendants and psychosocial counselling, among other services.
“This generous contribution from the Government of Australia will be critical in safeguarding the reproductive health and personal hygiene of women in these camps,” said Ms. Lene K. Christiansen, UNFPA Representative in Sri Lanka.
The Australian support will further enable UNFPA to continue distributing personal hygiene packs to displaced women and girls, maternity kits for pregnant women, and reproductive health equipment and supplies for hospitals providing lifesaving obstetric care for displaced women before, during and after childbirth.
UNHCR and Brandix join forces again to assist Sri Lanka’s vulnerable communities
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 11th June 2009: Sri Lanka’s largest apparel exporter, Brandix Lanka Limited, has strengthened its partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in an effort to address some of the key humanitarian needs of the conflict displaced communities in the country.
As part of its latest contribution, Brandix has once again stepped forward to support Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), an integral part of UNHCR’s operations in Sri Lanka, which sees the implementation of small-scale and short-term projects to support resettlement and have an immediate and long-term impact on returnee communities. These projects aim to promote return as well as facilitate stability.
In addition, Brandix is reaching out to the most vulnerable population, by extending their support towards meeting the non-food needs of the internally displaced population in the country.
Last year, UNHCR took its first steps towards forging strategic partnerships with Sri Lanka’s private sector, by tying up with Brandix to improve the water facilities and water management of the KarambeHospital and its surrounding villages in Puttalam. The project has helped better the health and welfare of the Puttalam residents and internally displaced persons.
Brandix’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts are driven by the central
corporate theme 'Water is Life' and constitute a long-term commitment to improving the living conditions of people in need, including bringing safe drinking water to households in Sri Lanka.
“Brandix is honored to support UNHCR in its initiative to help improve the lives of
vulnerable Sri Lankans,” says the Brandix Group’s CEO Ashroff Omar. “Collaborating with UNHCR has ensured that our resources were utilized efficiently and effectively to construct such an essential project swiftly.”
UNHCR’s Representative in Sri Lanka Amin Awad hailed Brandix’s commitment towards improving the lives of the displaced and return communities in the country. “Brandix is a shining example of how the private sector in Sri Lanka can step up to support the Government with providing assistance to those in need. We hope that many others will follow in their footsteps to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility edge.”
The pioneer of the concept of ‘total solutions’ in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, Brandix specializes in casual bottoms, intimate and active wear, textiles, knitted fabrics, sewing and embroidery thread, accessories and hangers, and also offers wet processing and finishing and fabric printing. Brandix is a preferred solutions provider to some of the world’s leading apparel brands, including Gap, Marks&Spencer, Victoria’s Secret, NEXT, Lands End, Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger.
UNHCR continues with IDP return support in northern Sri Lanka
As emergency response takes place to assist hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict in Sri Lanka’s North, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also supported the Government of Sri Lanka with the second group of organized returns in the northwestern part of the country yesterday.
Some 2,231 internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to seven villages in the Musali DS Division, located in the southern part of Mannar district, which at one time was controlled by the LTTE. They are among some 3,800 persons who were displaced from Musali to different parts of Mannar almost two years ago and have since then, been living in camps and with host families in the district.
As in previous returns, UNHCR support operations began weeks ago when field teams spoke with the IDPs about any concerns they may have regarding return. UNHCR accompanied the government-organized go&see visit for IDP representatives and received assurances that humanitarian mine clearance in villages of origin was completed. The agency also carried out village assessments prior to the returns to assess the level of damage to houses and basic infrastructure.
UNHCR accompanied yesterday’s returns to ensure that the process was carried out in safety and dignity. The agency together with partners also plan on distributing non-food items and providing shelter support in the return villages, once shelter assessments are complete.
Moreover, UNHCR will also provide post-return support in terms of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). These small-scale community-driven projects have an immediate and long-term impact on communities, promoting sustainable return. After the process is complete, UNHCR staff on the ground will continue to make regular visits to the return villages to address outstanding issues or facilitate the provision of additional services.
In the context of return to Musali, the Government has applied good practices in IDP return such as certified mine clearance prior to return, go& see visits, provided transport for returnees and their belongings, and coordinated a return assistance package including food, shelter assistance and essential non-food items. UNHCR remains committed to providing support to the Government with future IDP returns in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
U.S. Government-Funded IOM Clinics to provide primary health care for displaced
TheInternational Organization for Migration (IOM) engineers have completed the first two of ten primary health care centres at the rapidly expanding Menik Farm displacement camp in Vavuniya, the government-controlled district southwest of Mullaitivu, where fighting between the government and LTTE Tamil Tigers continues.
With some 125,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) already in the camp and a further 25,000 currently sheltering in schools and public buildings in Vavuniya town expected to be transferred there, government health services in the 1,000-acre camp are stretched to the limit.
The clinics, which will each be initially staffed by two government doctors and two nurses, will provide diagnosis, emergency care, health education and referrals for the IDPs.
“The fully equipped centres will each serve 10,000 IDPs and will meet a huge need for primary health care in the camps by offering curative and preventive services. They will also take pressure off the main, referral clinic in the camp, which is now swamped with patients," says IOM Medical Coordinator Dr. Sajith Gunaratne.
"We hope that they will also serve as hubs for future community health interventions including psychosocial and mental health activities, ideally using trained health workers in the IDP population," he adds.
Last week, IOM and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining IOM’s commitment to build, equip, supply, support and monitor the centres over the next six months. This will include the provision of three ambulances, transport for government medical staff and a secure, onsite warehouse for medical supplies.
The project will be funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the U.S. Government, which has provided more than $880,000 (Rs 105.68 million) for the centres through its Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).
“We are pleased to support IOM and provide much-needed medical assistance to thousands of IDPs in the North,” said USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn.“Improving the health of those displaced by the conflict is vital so they can begin to rebuild their lives,” she added.
Meanwhile IOM Vavuniya, which employs some 30 staff and over 100 labourers, is racing to erect tents for IDPs who continue to arrive. Pending the arrival of the bulk of a consignment of 4,000 IOM tents, the team has erected 1,400 tents provided by UNHCR. They previously set up 1,400 emergency shelters.
The team is also focusing on the water and sanitation needs of the vast camp, where they have constructed some 450 toilets. A fleet of 15 IOM bowsers or water tankers supplies water to the IDPs, pending the arrival of piped water on the site.
IOM relief operations for IDPs in northern Sri Lanka are currently funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO).
Sri Lanka has been an IOM member state since 1990 and IOM has had a major presence in the country, including six sub-offices in the north and east, since the December 2004 tsunami. In addition to emergency response and reconstruction projects, IOM Sri Lanka's activities include technical cooperation in migration management, capacity building, counter trafficking, and return and reintegration.
Lifesaving Support for Pregnant Women Displaced by Sri Lanka Conflict
COLOMBO, 7 May 2009 – At least 3,000 pregnant women have fled the fighting in northern Sri Lanka in recent days and some 350 will give birth in the next month, according to estimates by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. With health services increasingly challenged by the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), UNFPA is stepping up its support for the health and safety of women and girls affected by the conflict, particularly those who are pregnant.
Typically, around 15 per cent of women giving birth will develop complications that require blood transfusions or emergency surgical care. Pregnancy-related disabilities and death often rise in conflict situations when reproductive health services are disrupted.
The number of IDPs in camps run by the Sri Lankan Government rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus from the combat zone on 20 April 2009.
In response, UNFPA is expanding support for mobile reproductive health clinics offering prenatal and postnatal care, services for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, and psychosocial counselling. Since late December 2008, 139 mobile clinic sessions have been conducted in Vavuniya and Mannar, serving 5,550 people.
The Fund will continue distributing personal hygiene packs for displaced women and girls, maternity kits for pregnant women, and reproductive health supplies for hospitals providing emergency life-saving care for pregnant women.
Crowded conditions in hospitals and IDP camps can compromise the health of both mothers and newborns. To ease overcrowding, UNFPA has furnished a postnatal ward at the Ayurvedic Hospital in Paipeymadu Vavuniya, where displaced mothers and newborns can be sent for post-partum care. In special cases, their small children and caregivers are now being allowed to accompany the mothers.
After visiting several camps in Vavuniya recently, UNFPA Representative Lene K. Christiansen said, “In this overwhelming situation it is important that women’s unique health concerns, from their hygiene needs to life-threatening complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, are not overlooked”.
Unprecedented trade union agreements for the protection of migrant workers’ rights signed
Colombo, 7 May 2009. The protection of the rights of Sri Lanka migrant workers in Arab states is at the centre of major cooperation agreements signed today in Colombo by leaders of the Sri Lanka trade unions and their counterparts from Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, three important destination countries for Sri Lanka migrant workers. The agreements are aimed at granting Sri Lanka migrant workers “the full panoply of labour rights included in internationally-recognized standards”
Delivering the keynote address at the workshop, Mr. Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare said “ It is not appropropriate to justify the wages received by the migrant workers for the work they are doing in these countries, because they are definitely contributing tremendously to the achieving of the development targets of these countries”, and stated that “although comparative benefits are not demanded, we strongly believe that the basic rights and the dignity of workers should be preserved as indicated in the National Labour Migration Policy”.
The text of the agreements, which is based on a model developed under the aegis of the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) and its Bureau for Workers’ Activities, is the first of its kind covering Asian migrant workers active in Arab States. According to the statistics by the SLBFE, there are over 300,000 Sri Lanka workers in Kuwait, over 75,000 in Jordan and 45,000 in Bahrain.
The signing of the trade union agreements coincides with the ratification of the National Labour Migration Policy by the Cabinet last week, which was formulated through a tripartite consultative process with technical assistance from the ILO. The landmark event reiterates the Government’s commitment in promoting bilateral co-operation in protecting the migrant workers’ rights as clearly articulated in the new National Labour Migration Policy.
Ms.Tine Staermose, Director of the ILO Sri Lanka Office said: “We believe trade unions have a special role to play in relation to migrant workers as this group of workers have weak bargaining power in the labour market, because they often are not organized in trade unions and sometimes not allowed to join trade unions”.
Based on the shared conviction that the benefits of labour migration for the above-mentioned countries, their national workers, and the migrant workers themselves, can best be maximized through the effective promotion and respect of workers’ rights, including basic human rights, and fundamental principles and rights at work enshrined in UN and ILO Conventions, and through the promotion of decent work for all, the trade union agreements, signed in Colombo, go on to detail a number of joint activities to be developed by the trade union organisations both in the country of origin and in countries of destination of Sri Lanka migrant workers.
These include action to “ensure that labour legislation and collective agreements fully protect all migrant workers, including those involved in temporary labour migration programmes”, the development of a model and unified employment contract for migrant workers, based on the provisions of international labour standards and enforced through national legislation and labour inspection and support for immediate action to denounce abusive practices and to find solutions to them through legal remedies or other available dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Efforts will also be made to encourage governments to ensure the strict supervision and control of activities by recruitment and employment agencies (in conformity with ILO Convention No. 181 on Private Employment Agencies), and subcontractors, as well as eliminating abuse of sponsorship schemes.
Follow-up mechanisms to the agreement include annual evaluation meetings, the preparation of information material on migrant workers’ rights to be made available to would-be migrant workers in Sri Lanka and access to trade unions in the countries of destination. As an immediate result of the agreements, Sri Lanka trade union leaders have been invited by their counterparts in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait to visit the three countries of destination and acquaint themselves of the situation.
The trade unions will also encourage governments in their respective countries to establish tripartite (Employers/ Workers/ Government) mechanism to address issues related to labour migration.
The four national trade unions in Sri Lanka and their counterparts in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait all belong to the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation, the largest global trade union body.
The Colombo agreements have been facilitated by the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities with support by the ILO International Migration Programme in Geneva as part of their global project on Effective Action for Labour Migration Policies and Practices funded by UK-DFID and by the Government of Norway in their support for the promotion of social dialogue.
UN and government of Sri Lanka appeal for aid for Sri Lanka’s displaced
COLOMBO, 5 May 2009: The United Nations and Government of Sri Lanka said today that an urgent appeal has been launched for $50 million to meet the most immediate humanitarian needs of civilians fleeing fighting in the country’s north.
The appeal comes at a time when aid agencies and the Government of Sri Lanka are struggling to cope with a sudden rise in displaced crossing into government territory, and as fighting continues over the last pocket of land held by the LTTE.
The number of people being held in government camps rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus when government forces breached the combat zone on 20 April. Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside that zone.
‘We must address together the current shortcomings in assistance,’ said Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights. ‘We must build confidence amongst these Sri Lanka citizens who have suffered considerably.’
The renewed appeal addresses the most urgent humanitarian needs for an estimated 250,000 people. It includes projects for food, water, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, health and protection, as well as educational requirements for thousands of children who have been without schooling for months during the escalating conflict. Minister Samarasinghe emphasized the need to work within the stipulated national framework when addressing these needs.
The displaced now in government-held territory are being housed in 42 separate sites in four districts in Sri Lanka’s north, while 2,000 injured and accompanying relatives have been accommodated in hospitals.
“It’s a critical time,” said Neil Buhne, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka. “Around a quarter of under 5 year olds in the camps are under-nourished, and they need immediate help. Tens of thousands more civilians are expected to come from the remaining zone.”
The UN has urged the government of Sri Lanka to continue to release people from camps and return them to their homes as quickly as possible. Some hundreds of people forced to flee fighting more than a year ago returned home last week to the Mannar district, and the appeal includes agricultural and economic projects to support similar returns. The Government says that it intends to return 80 per cent of the displaced to their homes by the end of 2009.
The $50 million appeal is an adjusted priority figure extracted from the Common Humanitarian Action Plan appeal for $155 million, which had been launched in March in anticipation of the evolving humanitarian crisis. Less than one third of that appeal has been funded.
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UNICEF airlifts 50 tonnes of emergency supplies as numbers in urgent need swell
Colombo, 27 April 2009 – UNICEF said that 50 metric tonnes of airlifted emergency relief supplies landed today in Colombo. The supplies will immediately be sent to northern Sri Lanka to meet some of the most urgent needs of more than 100,000 people who have fled fierce fighting over the past week.
The emergency airlift includes nutritional supplies, water treatment units for safe water, oral rehydration salts, and medical supplies. An additional airlift will follow on Tuesday.
“Sri Lanka is facing a humanitarian crisis that requires a rapid response,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Sri Lanka, Mr Philippe Duamelle. “We estimate that there are approximately a quarter of a million people who need help and they need it quickly.”
Last week UNICEF sent 50 metric tonnes of high energy biscuits for those who had just escaped fierce fighting. This is on top of the more than 130 metric tonnes of nutritional supplements that have been provided to treat malnutrition over the last weeks.
In this time UNICEF has also provided tens of thousands of hygiene kits, hundreds of water tanks and latrines, supported the construction of an emergency paediatric and emergency maternity ward at the Vavuniya General hospital, along with distributing education kits for children. Calling the situation in the north a catastrophe for children, UNICEF said that tens of thousands of civilians – including a large number of children – are still trapped in the North. In addition to being caught in the crossfire, they also desperately lack food, water and basic medical supplies such as anesthetic and antibiotics.
People who have escaped the conflict are arriving in often overcrowded camps exhausted, hungry, and in many cases wounded or sick and malnourished.
UNICEF said it was in urgent need of US$5 million to help meet their most immediate needs in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, protection and education.
UN concern about Sri Lanka's twin humanitarian crises
COLOMBO, 28 April 2009: The UN’s top humanitarian official said today that Sri Lanka faces huge challenges in meeting an unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Speaking after touring camps for people who fled fighting in the island nation’s north, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes said that Sri Lanka is trying to cope with “what amounts to two quite distinct crises.”
“There are still tens of thousands of people trapped on a small patch of territory in the north, with the LTTE refusing to let them leave, and with fighting continuing,” said Holmes. “The second crisis is the swollen camps that are filling up with 200,000 people who fled the fighting, many in very poor condition, with more likely on the way soon.”
In a meeting earlier today with President Rajapakse, Holmes reiterated concerns over the level of civilian casualties, and the urgent need to assist the tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the conflict zone, particularly with food aid and medical supplies.
“Given the fact that the LTTE has refused to let these people go, I hope that we will be given more humanitarian access to the zone,” said Holmes. “We believe that there are critical levels of hunger, and large numbers of people needing medical treatment.”
Mr. Holmes added that he welcomed the government's announcement about the scaling down of combat operations and no further use of heavy weapons, because that should reduce civilian casualties. However he said that the key was implementation in full of what had been announced, in the light of past experience. In this context he expressed great concern at initial reports of continued shelling.
Reports emerging from the camps and hospitals treating wounded civilians in the past few days have painted a picture of systems struggling to cope with the outflow of civilians. More than 100,000 people have escaped from the combat zone over the past week.
“The large numbers arriving at Omantai checkpoint in such a short space of time stretched the government’s capacity to cope, and our capacity to help,” said Holmes. “But we are now making progress with basic services such as shelter, water and food. Nevertheless it is a long way to go before we can achieve anything like satisfactory conditions. I hope donors will respond generously and I am allocating a further ten million dollars from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).”
With overcrowding a problem in the existing transit centres and camps for the displaced, Holmes urged that civilians who have been screened be given the chance to leave the camps and to rely on friends and family elsewhere.
Holmes also raised with the Government the issue of the 13 UN staff members currently being prevented from leaving IDP camps, despite repeated promises they will be released.
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UN humanitarian chief arrives in Sri Lanka seeking increased humanitarian access
(Colombo, New York, 26 April 2009): United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in Colombo this morning at the start of a two-day visit to Sri Lanka.
In the course of his visit, Mr. Holmes will meet with representatives from the Government of Sri Lanka, the humanitarian country team, civil society and the donor community. Mr. Holmes will again raise extreme concerns about civilian casualties from the fighting and the need to get the tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the conflict zone out of harm’s way without further loss of life.
He will underscore the urgent need for access by the United Nations Country Team to the conflict zone in the northeast, which the President of Sri Lanka agreed to during the recent visit of the Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet Mr. Vijay Nambiar, and to the screening centres through which tens of thousands of IDPs are passing on their way to the camps.
"The months of fighting during which the inhabitants of the conflict zone have been trapped have taken a terrible toll among the civilian population," Mr. Holmes said. “I call on the LTTE with all the urgency I can to let out the remaining civilian population and lay down their arms; and on the Government to exercise maximum restraint including no use of heavy weapons. We need a new humanitarian pause to get aid and aid workers into the combat zone. We must have access to all IDPs wherever they are, including in the conflict zone, and the screening process must also be made more transparent,” said Mr. Holmes.
Currently, while there is good access to the camps themselves, the UN and ICRC have access only to the screening point in Omanthai, where they are not allowed to interview those present, not to earlier screening processes in and around Killinochchi, and the UN have no access to the conflict zone. With overcrowding an increasing problem in the existing IDP camps, Mr. Holmes will also urge that civilians who have been screened be given the chance to leave those camps and to rely on friends and family elsewhere if they so wish. The early release of the inhabitants and freedom of movement are core standards which must not be denied.
Mr. Holmes will also raise with the Government the issue of the 13 UN staff members currently being prevented from leaving IDP camps, despite repeated promises from the Government to the UN that they will be released.
Finally, Mr. Holmes will review with the Government, the international aid agencies and donors the major humanitarian operation under way to help approximately 200,000 civilians who have escaped from the combat zone over the last three months. Read more...
UN appeals for funds to relieve Sri Lanka civilian plight
COLOMBO, 23 April 2009: The UN today issued an urgent appeal for funds to meet the critical needs of an exodus of thousands of people who are fleeing fighting.
Speaking from Colombo after returning from camps in the town of Vavuniya where around 80,000 exhausted civilians who escaped the combat zone are being held, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that teams are scrambling to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide water to “crowds of weary and hungry people.”
“I saw infants with dysentery, malnourished children and women, untended wounds, and people dressed in the ragged clothing they’ve been wearing for months,” said Neil Buhne. “We need funds for all the basics like food, medicine, water, sanitation, nutrition, shelter, and clothing. And we want to try to get kids as soon as possible back into school in order to give them some semblance of normality.”
The UN had appealed in February for $155 million to meet the anticipated increase in people escaping from the fighting in the north of the country, but has received less than one third of that amount. Since Monday, more than 90,000 people have escaped the combat zone where government and Tamil Tiger forces are fighting, in a sudden exodus that has stretched humanitarian and government resources. Aid agencies have rushed to fly emergency supplies by air into the region.
“Many of these people were forced from their homes by fighting more than a year ago, and it is something of a miracle that they have survived such a terrible ordeal,” said Buhne. “We need to ensure that no more lives are lost by meeting their immediate needs, and beyond that to help them get back on their feet, so that they can eventually return to their homes.”
The UN says that over-crowding in the camps is now a grave concern, and has urged the government to make available more land and public buildings for accommodation and to quickly identify and release people from the existing sites who present no security threat. Buhne said that while some elderly have been released, “there are many more people such as the elderly, disabled, unaccompanied children and pregnant women who could be rapidly identified and released in order to reduce the camp population.” The UN has also urged the government to release UN national staff so that they can return to work.
While more than 170,000 civilians are now believed to have escaped the combat zone since January, the UN says that it estimates that tens of thousands of people remain trapped by fighting, who have been without humanitarian deliveries of food since 1st April.
Message by Juan Somavia Director-General of the International Labour Office On the occasion of the ILO’s 90th anniversary
On 21 April 2009 we launch a global celebration of the ILO’s 90th anniversary.
Events around the world will bring together the ILO’s tripartite constituents —governments, workers and employers— and others who are mobilizing for decent work for all. These local dialogues will have global significance and impact.
They will draw strength from our history. They will tap the long experience, knowledge and networks of the ILO to address the challenges of today and to shape a better future.
We mark this anniversary at a time of profound economic and social upheaval. But for the ILO, crisis has historically provided a crucible for change. Emerging from the cataclysm of the First World War, the Organization was founded on the basic conviction that “universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice”. Through war and peace, depression and economic growth, governments, workers and employers have continued to come together in dialogue around our table of shared values: that work must be a source of dignity; that labour is not a commodity; and that poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
These values and action were recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969. Those values continue to guide and define our work today. What we are doing is more than a celebration of our past. It is a strategic opportunity to focus on the pressing priorities of people today – the need for jobs, social protection, rights at work – and to forge solutions through dialogue.
Gathering against a backdrop of rising unemployment and underemployment, business closures, deteriorating conditions of work and the undermining of respect for rights at work, along with growing inequality, poverty and insecurity, Heads of State and Government, parliamentarians, academics, members of civil society and activists will join to reaffirm the ILO’s mission—to steer a course towards social justice and a world of work based on human values.
Our values and action have set the norms for the treatment and well-being of workers – women and men – including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, equality of opportunity and non discrimination, freedom from forced labour and from child labour and safe and healthy work. These values and action have helped create sustainable enterprises that generate jobs, develop skills for all persons—wherever they live, whoever they are—and promote a movement for corporate social responsibility.
These values and action are needed more than ever to create a globalization that is fair and sustainable.
They are needed to offer voice and hope to the peoples of the world.
We offer the building blocks of the Decent Work Agenda: employment creation – including green jobs – through sustainable enterprises; solidarity in the form of social protection; upholding standards and fundamental principles and rights at work; and harnessing the creative power of dialogue and collective bargaining to find the best solutions. These are the conditions that will enable women and men to obtain work in conditions of freedom, dignity, security and equity – in times of crisis, in recovery and beyond.
Our tripartite legacy is the foundation of our future. Above all, our agenda for the twenty-first century springs from people: fuelled with the renewable energy of the human spirit, the energy and resilience of people and their reasonable demand everywhere for a fair chance at a decent job.
So together, let us answer that legitimate demand. Together, let us make the policy choices that sustain the goal of decent work; and together, let us advance the cause of decent work for social justice and a fair globalization. That’s our mission, our mandate and our responsibility.
ILO marks its 90th anniversary with global dialogue for decent work and a fair globalization
GENEVA (ILO News) – Amid the worst financial and jobs crisis since the Great Depression, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will mark its 90th anniversary in the week of 21-28 April. During this period, there will be a global convergence on the common theme of social dialogue on decent work for a fair globalization in commemorative events in more than 100 countries across the world. This launches a global dialogue aimed at fostering hope and action for an embattled world of work.
Local events will take many forms, from dialogues involving labour, employers and governments to heads of state, parliamentarians, academics, and civil society.These will include ratification of international labour standards, the launch of Decent Work Country Programmes, and technical workshops exploring solutions to the financial crisis, to job fairs and the award of government decent work prizes. A new volume entitled “The ILO and the Quest for Social Justice, 1919-2009” will also be launched on this occasion.
The events are being held against what ILO Director-General, Juan Somavia, in a statement issued for the anniversary, describes as “a backdrop of rising unemployment and underemployment, business closures, deteriorating conditions of work and the undermining of respect for rights at work, along with growing inequality, poverty and insecurity.”
“We mark this anniversary at a time of profound economic and social upheaval,” Mr. Somavia said, adding that “the universal message, the mandate and the method of the ILO will be expressed locally.”
For the ILO, crisis has always announced change. The Organization was founded in the aftermath of World War I on the principle that “universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice”, as expressed in its Constitution. In the nine decades since then, the ILO has responded to many crises through the world of work with timeless values, consistent policy messages and practical actionaimed at the pursuit of social justice.
The instruments developed within the tripartite ILO – with the direct representation of governments, employers and workers - have been the basis for much of the world’s labour legislation and have guided key developments in the world of work. They cover conditions of work, occupational safety and health, social security, employment promotion, human resource development and the fundamental goals of freedom of association and collective bargaining, abolition of forced and child labour and non discrimination, The ILO’s instruments have also focused on specific groups including indigenous peoples, migrant workers and disabled workers.
The ILO engages with constituents in its 182 member States in diverse activities covering normative activities, research, policy advisory services, information sharing and technical cooperation.
The contemporary expression of the ILO’s historic mission is embodied in the concept of Decent Work, defined as opportunities for all women and men to obtain productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
The ILO’s Decent Work Agenda has been strongly endorsed at global, regional and national levels. It iscentred on employment and enterprise, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue. This is the basis for a balanced approach to action that responds both to people’s enduring need for decent work and to the imperative of productive growth and sustainable development, "Through war and peace, depression and economic growth, governments, workers and employers have continued to come together in dialogue around our table of shared values: that work must be a source of dignity; that labour is not a commodity; and that poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere”, the ILO Director-General underlined. “These values and action were recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969. Those values continue to guide and define our work today.”
In 2004, the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization set up by the ILO anticipated many dimensions of the current crisis, given the trajectory of the prevailing model of globalization which produced global imbalances characterized by the Commission as being “morally unacceptable and politically unsustainable.”
Noting that the celebration was an opportunity to reaffirm the ILO’s fundamental values and take action to confront the uncertainties working families and enterprises are facing today, Mr. Somavia added, “Together, let us make the policy choices that sustain the goal of decent work; and together, let us advance the cause of decent work for social justice and a fair globalization. That’s our mission, our mandate and our responsibility.”
The ILO has advocated a decent work approach to the crisis based on a productive recovery. It has proposed a number of measures that bring together employment creation, including green jobs, sustainable enterprises; increased social protection; and upholding standards and fundamental principles and rights at work in integrated approaches while harnessing the creative power of dialogue to find inclusive responses.
As a concrete and practical initiative, Mr. Somavia proposes that the annual International Labour Conference to be held in Geneva in June agree to a Global Jobs Pact that would boost economic recovery and the construction of a new pattern of fairer and more inclusive globalization, focusing on the Decent Work Agenda.
On this occasion, the ILO reiterates its call for global action for decent work and invites all advocates of a people-centred, balanced and sustainable course for the future to mobilize for decent work.
Statement of the Secretary-General on Sri Lanka
12 April 2009. I welcome the announcement made today by the Government of Sri Lanka that it will observe a two day pause in offensive military operations. This is less than the full humanitarian pause of several days I had pressed for but is nevertheless a useful first step and an opportunity to move towards the peaceful and orderly end to the fighting now so badly needed.
I call on the LTTE to take concrete and immediate steps to protect civilians by respecting the pause, for its full duration.
The United Nations has been in discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka and other concerned parties in recent months and weeks to explore ways in which the suffering of innocent people in the Vanni region can be brought to an end or lessened. I have personally been involved through discussions with President Rajapakse.
The United Nations will therefore do whatever it can to support this humanitarian pause and help end the grave predicament of civilians in the conflict zone, including through the provision of more aid to those still trapped in the zone.
During this period, civilians wishing to leave the conflict zone should be allowed to do so without any hindrance and should then be treated fully in accordance with international standards and principles. In particular the LTTE must allow civilians to choose whether they stay or leave.
This is a terrible conflict that must be ended as soon as possible. In the meantime, with tens of thousands of lives at risk on the beaches of northern Sri Lanka, I call on the government forces to adhere scrupulously to the commitments of the government about non-use of heavy weapons. I also count on key members of the international community to support this pause and to continue to do all they can to avert further death and suffering in Sri Lanka.
End.
UN Staff Forcibly Recruited
COLOMBO, 16 March 2009: The UN said today that it holds grave fears for the safety of one UN national staff member, and three dependent family members who were forcibly recruited over the weekend by the LTTE, inside the government-declared No Fire Zone. The forced recruitments included the 16 year old daughter of a UN national staff member.
The UN in Sri Lanka has protested to the LTTE that UN national staff, as well as children in general, are protected under national and international law from recruitment by armed groups, and has called for their immediate release. Another UN national staff member was recruited two weeks ago, and has yet to be released despite repeated requests from the UN. Ends/.
The Secretary-General's Message on INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8 March 2009
One year ago, I launched a campaign calling on people and governments the world over to unite to end violence against women and girls.The campaign will run through 2015, the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.The link with the Goals is clear.We must stop the habitual and socially ingrained violence that mars lives, destroys health, perpetuates poverty and prevents us from achieving women’s equality and empowerment.
Violence against women is also linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS.In some countries, as many as one in three women will be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime.Women and girls are also systematically and deliberately subject to rape and sexual violence in war.
Violence against women stands in direct contradiction to the promise of the United Nations Charter to “promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”The consequences go beyond the visible and immediate.Death, injury, medical costs and lost employment are but the tip of an iceberg.The impact on women and girls, their families, their communities and their societies in terms of shattered lives and livelihoods is beyond calculation.Far too often, crimes go unpunished, and perpetrators walk free.No country, no culture, no woman, young or old, is immune.
Increasingly, men, too, are speaking out against this stain on our society. Global examples include the White Ribbon Campaign and the V-Day Campaign’s “V-Men” counterpart.And at community workshops, men are teaching other men that there is another way and that “real men don’t hit women”.
Changing mindsets and the habits of generations is not easy.It must involve all of us – individuals, organizations and governments.We must work together to state loud and clear, at the highest level, that violence against women will not be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance.
We need economic and social policies that support women’s empowerment.We need programmes and budgets that promote non-violence.We need a positive image of women in the media.We need laws that say violence is a crime, that hold perpetrators accountable and are enforced.
The “Unite to End Violence against Women” campaign encourages men and women to join hands to oppose violence against women.Only by acting together can we create more equal and peaceful societies.Let us all, on this International Women’s Day, resolve to make a difference.
International Women’s Day - Message of UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid
Today on International Women’s Day, let us unite to end violence against women and girls.
Whether it is human trafficking, domestic violence, crimes committed in the name of honour or passion, child marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting, or sexual violence, which in many conflict situations has reached alarming proportions, violence against women and girls constitutes a shameful crime that is too often shrouded in silence and too seldom punished.
Today, we call on all political leaders, community leaders and religious leaders to stand up against the violence to which women and girls are subjected. We call for public dialogue and open debate. We urge authorities in all countries to enact and enforce laws to bring justice to offenders, and to provide health services and social support to survivors.
We pay tribute to the women who have provided leadership on this issue and we urge more men and boys to use their influence for positive change. Together, we can change social norms and attitudes that condone discrimination and violence against women and girls.
Together, we can strengthen legal systems, access to justice and the rule of law for protecting and upholding human rights. Together, we can provide social support and health services to survivors. We need to guarantee the right to sexual and reproductive health, and provide information and services for family planning, safe motherhood and HIV prevention.
Violence against women and girls is not a women’s issue—it is an issue that concerns and diminishes us all. No custom, tradition or religion can justify cruel and degrading treatment.
Today, let us stand in solidarity with women and girls who deserve to live in dignity, free of fear and shame. Let us champion zero tolerance of violence against women and girls in our homes, schools, places of work and worship, our communities and nations. It is time for men and women, and boys and girls to work together to end these shameful violations of human rights.
Today and everyday, UNFPA, as part of the United Nations, will support country efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, and to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality and reproductive health and rights.
National Campaign against the recruitment of child soldiers launched
26 February, Colombo - The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched a national campaign to prevent child recruitment, and to promote the release of all recruited children.
The campaign, “Bring Back the Child”, targets armed groups, vulnerable communities and the children affected. The campaign’s call for child recruitment to stop goes hand in hand with the provision of reintegration and rehabilitation services for children who are released. ‘Bring back the Child’ will air on television, radio and through newspapers, billboards and posters across the country, with a focus on the north and east, and in the country’s three languages – Sinhalese, Tamil and English.
“The Government of Sri Lanka has a zero tolerance policy on the recruitment of children, and the recruitment of anyone under the age of 18 to take part in hostilities is against both Sri Lankan and international law,” said the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, Mr Suhada Gamalath. “This campaign reinforces the message that children who are recruited are victims of crimes committed against them. Children released or escaping from armed groups have nothing to fear – they will be treated as children in need of immediate support.” ‘Bring back the Child’ is a multimedia campaign that calls on those who recruit children to stop, and for those children currently in their ranks to be released so that they can return to their families and have access to services including health care, psychosocial support, education and vocational training. Concurrently ‘Bring Back the Child’ will strengthen the capacity of communities to protect children against the threats of recruitment.
“Child soldiers live in a theatre of violence and suffering where their lives are at great risk,” said Mr Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF’s Representative in Sri Lanka. “Many are killed or maimed. Those who survive suffer traumatic events with often grave psychological implications. Even those who avoid combat lose precious years that cannot be replaced. Instead of having hope for the future these children live in fear of what tomorrow may bring. However, following their release they can and they do adapt if they are given a second chance at childhood. This campaign is one part of that.” UNICEF has been monitoring and reporting on child recruitment in Sri Lanka since 2002. In this time nearly 7,000 children have been reported to UNICEF by their families as having been recruited to armed groups. Between 2002 and 2009, some of these child soldiers were released, others passed the age of 18, some are still trapped as child soldiers, and some have been killed in the conflict.
Sri Lanka was among the first countries to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Within this Protocol, Sri Lanka committed to take action against the recruitment of children and provide rehabilitation support to children released from armed groups. UNICEF works closely with the Office of the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation who has made great strides in ensuring legal protection for children affected by child recruitment and in providing care and protection for children who have been released.
This collaboration between the Government of Sri Lanka and UNICEF also resulted in the signing in December 2008 of an Action Plan between the Government, the TMVP (Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal), and UNICEF, together with the adoption of new special regulations which strengthen the legal protection of children released from armed groups. Furthermore, a rehabilitation centre for former child soldiers was opened, as was a Child Welfare Unit in Batticaloa where parents and relatives can come and report the recruitment of their children and be provided with a coordinated response to get the children released.
For further information, please contact:
Nandani Gunawardana, Ministry of Justice 011-2449959 or
James Elder, Communication Chief, UNICEF Mobile: 94-777416742, Office: 94-11-2555270 ext 250 jelder@unicef.org
WFP Launches “Fill the Cup” campaign Astra pledges Rs1.5 million to feed hungry school children
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka announced that its “Fill the Cup” campaign, received a welcome boost from Astra - a brand of Unilever Sri Lanka - pledging a contribution of Rs1.5 million to the campaign. “Fill the Cup” is a worldwide campaign, launched earlier this year to raise awareness and funds for the 59 million children in the world's developing countries who go to school hungry.
In Sri Lanka, “Fill the Cup” aims to literally fill a cup with food for 350,000 school children targeted by WFP and the Government of Sri Lanka – boosting their chances for health, education and a more promising future. WFP calculates that approximately Rs1.2 billion is needed per year to reach 350,000 children. While the sum may seem large, just Rs17 can provide one child with one cup of porridge or rice and curry. The price of a cup of coffee (Rs100) is enough to feed a child in school for one week.
“We need to lay a foundation for the future generation. Meals during school days give children the nutrition and concentration to learn and grow. School feeding jointly initiated and implemented by the government in partnership with WFP has helped improve the health and nutrition of school children by providing valuable micronutrients, vitamins and minerals and improved children’s learning outcome,” said Adnan Khan, WFP Representative and Country Director.
The campaign is also supported by the government through the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development (MNBEID), WFP’s implementing partner.“With joint collaboration and partnership, we will be able to reach the most vulnerable segment of the population, which this campaign is targeting. This is a great initiative to support school feeding to build future generations,” said Mr. W.K.K. Kumarasiri, Secretary of MNBEID.
Unilever, a corporate partner for WFP, pledged Rs1.5 million to enhance child vitality, through this program, helping WFP kick-start the campaign. “Family Goodness and Together for Child Vitality” are the values embodied in Unilever’s margarine range. “The mission of the flagship brand of the range, Astra, is to grow great kids, which tallies exactly with the objective of this project,”said Ms. Manojee Dabare, head of the spreads range of products at Unilever Sri Lanka.
Unilever recognises a greater role than merely contributing funds towards this project. Through its communications, it will continue to raise awareness of the importance of a balanced diet to enhance the nutrition and health of school-aged children as well as provide assistance to raise more funds.Unilever will assist WFP place collection tills in over 100 supermarkets and retail outlets in Colombo and suburbs.
Further assistance expected from Unilever includes direct engagement through its Employee Assignment Program. This unique scheme offers employees an opportunity to volunteer their services and contribute skills, knowledge, and time toward the success of the “Fill the Cup” campaign.
“We propose to contribute 50 cents from every sale of Astra margarine over a period of one month in April 2009, one of our peak selling periods was selected with the intention of maximising the contribution towards this worthy program. We expect the final contribution through this sale to be higher than the Rs1.5 million pledged today,” said Dabare.
WFP feeds 1.2 million vulnerable people in Sri Lanka through emergency food aid and recovery assistance interventions, out of which 350,000 school children benefit from school feeding annually (nearly half of whom are girls). Since 2003, WFP, in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, has been providing some 62 million meals per year, which has helped improve children’s ability to concentrate at the school and enrolment.
“Any individual, company or institution is invited to join this initiative by contacting WFP or visiting WFP’s website (www.wfp.org). Your support will feed minds, change lives,” said Khan.
Chief Urges Greater Action to Save Civilians in Sri Lanka
(COLOMBO/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 21 February 2009): Wrapping up a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) John Holmes, urged the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to intensify efforts to prevent the continuing civilian casualties and to protect the civilian population trapped in a small pocket of land held by LTTE fighters and surrounded by Government forces. "I came because I am desperately concerned about this humanitarian situation. Tens of thousands of civilians have been cut off from outside food supplies for weeks, have limited medical care and are in extreme danger because of the continued fighting,” Mr. Holmes said.
The ERC called on the LTTE to free civilians kept in the remaining combat zone against their will, and to stop forced recruitment, particularly of children. He also pressed the Government to ensure a peaceful, orderly and humane end to what appears to be a decisive stage of the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Holmes met with Sri Lanka’s President Rajapaksa. He made clear his condemnation of the LTTE attack on Colombo the previous night and expressed his sympathy for the families of the victims. They discussed the plight of those still trapped in the Vanni and agreed that urgently needed food and medical supplies would be stepped up. In other constructive meetings with senior government ministers and officials, including the Senior Advisor to the President, the Defense Secretary and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management and Human Rights, and Resettlement, the UN humanitarian chief also raised the need for reception and care arrangements for those crossing battle lines into Government controlled areas to meet the relevant international standards and principles.
On Friday, Mr. Holmes visited Vavuniya, just south of the conflict area, where more than 30,000 people had arrived over recent weeks. He found that most were mentally and physically exhausted after weeks of sheltering in makeshift bunkers but that their basic needs were being catered for. Mr. Holmes welcomed the increasingly good cooperation between Government officials, UN agencies and NGOs in providing urgent food, shelter and medical help, and noted the key challenges ahead, including rapid and transparent registration procedures, reinforcing the civilian nature of the camps, facilitating family reunification and greater freedom of movement, and ensuring the earliest possible return of IDPs to their homes. He welcomed government assurances on all these issues, and the increasingly full access for agencies and NGOs to the transit centres and camps.
The ERC also announced a $10 million contribution from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help meet urgent humanitarian needs for those fleeing the conflict.
UNFPA: Caring for the Needs of Women Caught in Sri Lanka’s Crisis
COLOMBO, 20th February 2008 – Women and girls caught up in the ongoing warfare in northern Sri Lanka are at grave risk. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is assisting civilians who have escaped the combat area but remains greatly concerned for the health and safety of the tens of thousands who remain, particularly those who are pregnant.
Some 32,000 displaced persons have reached Vavuniya district this month; among them an estimated 700–800 are women at different stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy-related disabilities and death often rise in conflict situations when reproductive health services, including prenatal care, assisted delivery and emergency obstetric care, are disrupted and often unavailable. Many women lose access to family planning services exposing them to unwanted pregnancies in perilous conditions.
UNFPA, in cooperation with district health authorities, is supporting Vavuniya and Mannar districts by providing emergency transport for life-saving obstetric care. Surgical instruments for caesarean operations have been provided to the Vavuniya General Hospital which serves displaced women with pregnancy complications. At the same time, safe delivery kits are being distributed to pregnant women in camps for the displaced.
Mobile reproductive health clinics offering a range of reproductive health services – including prenatal and postnatal care and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV – have also been set up in these two districts. Sanitary towels and undergarments are being provided to allow women and girls of reproductive age to maintain their basic personal hygiene. UNFPA is also working closely with health authorities to ensure that camps for the displaced have separate bathing and toilet facilities for men and women and well lit paths to ensure the safety of women and girls.
“Women do not stop getting pregnant or giving birth to their babies even when on the move or when living in camps,” said Lene K. Christiansen, UNFPA’s Representative in Sri Lanka. “Being able to maintain personal hygiene is not only a matter of health but also one of individual dignity,” she noted. “We try hard to make sure that these women and girls have access to needed services”. She also emphasized that the health authorities in Mannar and Vavuniya are doing an admirable job under very difficult circumstances.
With the influx of civilians to Mannar and Vavuniya expected to continue in the coming weeks, UNFPA together with other UN agencies plans to increase its support in response to the growing needs. It seeks additional donor support for this effort as part of the United Nations Common Humanitarian Action Plan for Sri Lanka, launched on 18th February 2009.
Sri Lanka: Aid community issues humanitarian plan
COLOMBO/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 19 February 2009: The Interagency Standing Committee Country Team in Sri Lanka has issued a Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) for humanitarian and early recovery assistance for 2009. The CHAP is asking donors for US$155.5 million for 103 projects to be carried out by UN and NGO partners, to address the needs of conflict-affected communities in northern and eastern districts of the island.
The CHAP comes at a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is battling the LTTE in the north-east of the country. After slow gains during the first half of 2008, rapid Government advances have pressed the LTTE into a last remaining pocket of territory, uprooting hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes. Some 30,000 people have recently crossed into government-held territory, and the government, UN and NGOs are engaged in providing urgently needed services to newly constructed camps, even as tens of thousands more are expected.
Requirements covered in the CHAP include food aid, shelter/non-food items/camp management, protection, economic recovery and infrastructure, agriculture, health care, water and sanitation, education, and nutrition. Food aid accounts for almost US$60 million alone. The CHAP also stipulates that sustained and safe access to needy populations is a prerequisite for successful implementation.
“While last year's generous donor response allowed us to implement important stabilizing projects in the re-captured east, I remain concerned about the ability of aid staff to gain access to those in need, especially in northern conflict areas,” said John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
The CHAP envisages that security in Sri Lanka will remain fragile throughout 2009, with gradually improving access to the Jaffna peninsula because of direct road access through territory recently re-captured by Government forces. It emphasizes a return to employment for the displaced, while acknowledging that the global economic downturn will present a challenge to recovery efforts.
The protection of civilians remains a key challenge in Sri Lanka. The United Nations and partner NGOs are working closely with government counterparts, local authorities and protection networks to address protection concerns faced by civilians – especially children – caught up in the conflict, and to support returning communities. Of the US$17.2 required for 2009, $13.7 million is needed immediately to ensure adequate protection monitoring, reporting and response during the next three months.
Since the conflict began nearly three decades ago, more than 70,000 people have lost their lives. The UN says that the toll on civilians in the latest phase of the fighting has been heavy, with especially serious consequences for children. End./
More children victims of the conflict, says UNICEF
With a growing number of children being recruited by the LTTE and scores of children being killed or injured in fighting, UNICEF today expressed its gravest concerns for children, as Sri Lanka’s conflict enters a new phase.
“We have clear indications that the LTTE has intensified forcible recruitment of civilians and that children as young as 14 years old are now being targeted,” said Mr Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF’s Representative in Sri Lanka. “These children are facing immediate danger and their lives are at great risk. Their recruitment is intolerable.”
From 2003 to the end of 2008, UNICEF has recorded more than 6000 cases of children recruited by the LTTE. “Child soldiers suffer physical abuse, traumatic events and face death. Instead of hope, fear defines their childhood,” said Duamelle.
UNICEF also said it was extremely alarmed at the high number of children being injured in the fighting in the northern area of Sri Lanka known as the Vanni. “Scores of injured children have been evacuated in the past week,” said UNICEF’s Duamelle. “Children are victims of this conflict by being killed, injured, recruited, displaced, separated and denied their every day needs due to the fighting.”
The main injuries to children have been burns, fractures, shrapnel and bullet wounds. UNICEF reiterates the call it has made time and again to Government and the LTTE – civilians, especially children, must be given every protection from the fighting. UNICEF, together with other UN agencies and partners, is responding to the needs of 30,000 people who have been able to leave the Vanni and are now receiving humanitarian assistance away from the conflict.
UNICEF’s emergency support is in water and sanitation, nutrition, protection and education. UNICEF said it is crucial all civilians in the Vanni are able to leave and reach a safe area where they can be urgently assisted.
COLOMBO, 16 February 2009: The United Nations’ concern for the welfare of the civilian population caught up in the fighting has heightened based on reports received in the last few days. While the designation of the new safe zone has provided some respite for the tens of thousands of civilians trapped for weeks by heavy fighting which has killed and injured many people, reports from yesterday indicate that there was some fighting inside the zone. This fighting led to the deaths and injury to yet more civilians. The United Nations calls for the Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE to refrain from fighting in areas of civilian concentration. The LTTE continues to actively prevent people leaving, and reports indicate that a growing number of people trying to leave have been shot and sometimes killed. There are indications that children as young as 14 are being recruited into the ranks of the LTTE.
Fifteen United Nations staff and 75 of their dependents, 40 of whom are children, and 35 of whom are women, remain in the same area, having also been prevented from leaving by the LTTE. Fifteen of these children have contracted respiratory diseases, a serious indicator for a population which is now in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
We are acutely aware that the suffering of our own UN staff and dependents is just one part of a much larger picture. However their release would be a good gesture and would strengthen the capacity of the UN to assist the tens of thousands of people both inside the Vanni pocket, and the approximately 30,000 IDPs who have left for government held areas. Despite their own vulnerable position, many of these staff played an important role in helping with the distribution of 8,400 of tons of food to the civilians of the Vanni over the past four months. We are especially concerned that one staff member was reported forcibly recruited into the LTTE yesterday. The UN calls on the LTTE to immediately release him, to desist from further recruitment of civilians, and to permit passage for people who wish to leave, especially the women and children.
Tens of thousands of civilians remain in the “Vanni Pocket,” including a large number of children. They are experiencing serious shortages of food, medicine, and clean water, and as a result increasing numbers are becoming ill. Efforts to bring in more food and medicines have not yet been successful, and it is imperative that these needs be met.
The UN calls on both sides to find an orderly and humane solution so that civilians – and children in particular - can be spared further bloodshed and loss of life due to both disease and the fighting.
End.
Colombo, 9 February 2009: The United Nations in Sri Lanka condemns today’s suicide attack on a registration centre for displaced people fleeing the conflict zone. The attack killed and wounded many civilians, including children. Those killed had already been forced from their homes by fighting, and had endured terrible hardships.
The UN reiterates that civilians must be distinguished from combatants, and protected fromthe fighting. It calls once again on the LTTE to separate its forces from civilians under its control. End/.
Colombo, January 30, 2009 – The United Nations in Sri Lanka has provided US$125 million in development aid to Sri Lankans in 2008.
Speaking after the first joint Annual Review of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), Mr. Neil Buhne, UN Resident / Humanitarian Coordinator said that the funds represented the collective efforts of the UN to support the Sri Lankan government over 5 years in its efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals and the National Development Plan.
“This process integrates the UN’s development activities so that we can best help as a team of partners to bring the fruits of development to all Sri Lankans,” said Buhne. “This includes providing advice on developing sound economic and social policies, building capacity of local institutions to effectively implement policies and working with communities promoting sustainable livelihoods.
In his opening speech, Mr. Sumith Abeysinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, underscored the importance of the UN system support, stating that the combined work through the UNDAF has increased the efficiency of programme implementation.
“I believe that progress has been seen in the areas of cooperation in 2008 as a result of the fruitful collaboration between government partners at local level with various UN agencies,” said Abeysinghe. He noted that the objectives in the UNDAF and Mahinda Chinthana have been synchronized while expressing the government’s ownership and commitment to the implementation of the UNDAF in the years to come.
While representing the over-arching framework for the work of the UN, the UNDAF, which has been operational since 2008, is also a “living document” with continued reviews and monitoring of programmes to ensure that UN’s support is fully aligned to country’s development priorities.
End. / For more information, please contact: Mr. Gordon Weiss, UN Spokesman, Sri Lanka +94 – 11.2580691 or 11 4528689 Ext.286 Email: weissg@un.org United
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in intensified fighting in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Government of Sri Lanka. He calls on the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to accord immediate and absolute priority to ensuring the protection and well-being of civilians, including humanitarian aid workers.
The Government and the LTTE must ensure that all people, including the displaced, are treated in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
The Secretary-General calls on both parties to respect “no fire zones,” “safe areas,” and civilian infrastructure including schools, medical facilities and humanitarian facilities and assets.
He is deeply concerned that the civilian population in the area is in increasingly dire need of humanitarian aid, including food, water, sanitation, and shelter. The Secretary-General also calls for all parties to allow and facilitate the movement of 250,000 civilians currently in the area of fighting to safe areas.
The Secretary-General appreciates the cooperation of the Government of Sri Lanka in facilitating the relocation of UN staff and their dependents and trusts that all parties will further cooperate with their relocation to Vavuniya as soon as possible.
The Secretary-General is also very concerned about attacks on members of the media and urges all parties to demonstrate respect for the freedom of the press.
New York, 26 January 2009
Aid Agencies Help Jaffna Farmers Plant Potatoes
COLOMBO, 12 December 2008: Aid agencies have sent a consignment of seed potatoes to Jaffna, for distribution to hundreds of farmers before the end of the monsoon season.
Responding to a request made by the Government Agent in Jaffna coordinated by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Approximately 58 metric tons of seed potatoes is being supplied to some 500 conflict-affected farmers, some of whom are also Samurdhi beneficiaries who are restarting their livelihoods.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) worked closely together to import the seed potatoes directly from the Netherlands and to ensure that this joint effort complements other programmes these agencies are involved with in Jaffna to increase people’s well being. Since there is a current shortage of potatoes in the district, this distribution will boost production in what is considered to be one of the most fertile regions for potato farming in Sri Lanka.
The Department of Agriculture, the Agrarian Services Centre and the Government Agent in Jaffna are assisting with the distribution of the seed potatoes, ensuring efficiency and fair distribution.
“By swiftly responding in this targeted fashion, and as team with the expertise of different UN agencies, we’re boosting critical producers, helping create jobs and adding to the food security of this country,” said Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator.
This joint effort will also complement efforts to mark 2008 as the United Nations International Year of the Potato. Potatoes are an integral part of the global food system and its consumption is expanding strongly in developing countries, which now accounts for more than half of the global harvest. In addition, the ease of cultivation of this crop and its high energy content have made it a valuable cash crop for millions of farmers.
The UN remains committed to helping developing countries such as Sri Lanka boost food production in close cooperation with the local government and entities.
Ends./
Migrants as Part of the Solution during Economic Crises, says IOM on International Migrant's Day
GENEVA- 18 December 2008 - Countries
should recognize the positive contribution that migrants can make to economic
growth and recovery and resist the temptation to close doors to them in times
of economic slowdown, says the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
as it marks International Migrants’ Day today.
“Although the economic crisis is still unfolding and
its full impact remains unclear, it would be counter-productive for governments in developed countries to close
their doors to migrants. Many of them are still needed in jobs that citizens in
industrialized countries are unable or unwilling to take,” says
IOM Director General William Lacy Swing.
This structural need for migrants, who represent the human face of globalization,
is underlined by demographic projections showing that by 2050, these
countries will experience even greater labour shortages due to falling birth
rates and aging working populations, leaving twice as many people over 60 years
of age than children. Indeed, migration has become a linchpin of globalization.
“Closing doors will undoubtedly encourage migrants to
use the exploitative, abusive and often life-threatening back entrance into destination
countries offered by human smugglers and traffickers. Just as importantly, such
a reaction risks contributing to greater social division and xenophobia towards
migrants already in these countries by perpetuating the myth that migrants are
job-takers,” says Swing.
The economic crisis should also not be used to exploit
migrants in the informal sector through the lowering or non-payment of wages,
abuses to which undocumented migrants are especially and routinely vulnerable.
Their continued ability to send money back home is
crucial to fighting poverty in migrant origin countries, where families are
often dependent on such funds to pay for basic needs such as food, housing,
health and education. Families all over the world are already suffering the
consequences of reduced remittances and face an uncertain future.
Closing the door to migrants would also negatively impact
on the increases in remittances to developing countries witnessed year-on-year,
and which now far exceed official development assistance (ODA) flows. This
growth rate has already seen a sharp deceleration in the past few months,
particularly to Sub-Saharan Africa where remittances are probably needed the
most. The World Bank now estimates that remittances to developing countries in
2009 will be less than the estimated total of US$ 283 billion for 2008.
“It becomes ever more crucial to ensure that ODA
levels do not drop at this time to ensure that poverty and development gaps
aren’t exacerbated by this economic crisis. If they are, then the pressure on people
to migrate by whatever means they can find will increase,” Director General
Swing adds.
At the same time, migrant-origin countries have a
greater responsibility to fully inform their citizens of the realities of both
regular and irregular migration and step up to the challenge of working more
closely than before with destination countries and societies to ensure
migration becomes a win-win situation for all involved.
“Let’s not make a migrant crisis out of an economic
crisis. Keeping sight of the fact that migrants are part of the solution for
both countries of origin and destination can help in coming out of this crisis
sooner rather than later,” Swing concludes.
Ends.
UN Population
Fund Supports Flood Victims in Mannar
COLOMBO, 17 December 2008 — UNFPA, the
United Nations Population Fund, together with district health authorities is supporting
flood victims in Mannar district by providing hygiene packs and conducting
mobile reproductive health clinics. This was initiated as a result of a
discussion between the UNFPA Representative Lene K. Christiansen and Dr. R. S.
Jude, the Regional Director of Health Services in Mannar, on 28th
November 2008.
UNFPA has distributed
10,000 hygiene packs worth US$ 70,000, consisting of sanitary towels and other
toiletries to allow women and girls of reproductive age maintain basic personal
hygiene. Under its humanitarian programme, UNFPA has been distributing these hygiene
packs and supporting the Regional Director of Health Services, with civil
society partners, to conduct mobile reproductive health clinics to conflict
affected people. Given the sudden
increase in displaced people due to floods, UNFPA has now extended this support
to ensure the continuity of reproductive health services also for people
affected by the recent floods. The mobile clinics provide services of antenatal
care, postnatal care and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and
HIV/AIDS.
***
UNFPA, the United Nations
Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right
of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
UNFPA supports countries in using population data for
policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is
wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every
girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
For
more information, please contact UNFPA:Ms.
Lankani Sikurajapathy, tel. 11-2580840, mob. 77-3411614, email: sikurajapathy@unfpa.org
WORLD POPULATION DAY 2008
Global Observances to Highlight Benefits of Family Planning UNITED NATIONS, New York, 10 July 2008—More than 140 countries worldwide will observe
World Population Day on 11 July by emphasizing the importance of family
planning for the wellbeing of families, communities and nations, and by
underlining the need to further integrate such services into national
development plans.
The theme of World Population Day 2008,
“Family Planning: It’s a Right; Let’s Make it Real”,provides a chance
to raise awareness of the many benefits of family planning, including
its vital role in enhancing maternal health, gender equality and poverty reduction.
World leaders have proclaimed that individuals have a basic human right
to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their
children, yet modern contraception remains out of reach for hundreds of
millions of women and men. World Population Day activities will vary in
scope and nature, ranging from rallies, performances and exhibitions,
to sports competitions, seminars and cultural events. They will all
have one thing in common, which is to reaffirm the right of people to
plan their family size, thereby helping to make this right real.
In
his World Population Day message, United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban
Kimoon said: “Studies show that family planning has immediate benefits
for the lives and health of mothers and their infants.” He added, “On
World Population Day, let us focus on the critical importance of family
planning if we are to successfully achieve the Millennium Development
Goals.
“Let us take action to reduce maternal mortality and
achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015,” said Mr. Ban.
“Let us devote greater attention and resources to the work to improve
the health and quality of life for all people.”
In a separate
message, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United
Nations Population Fund, said that family planning “is essential to
women’s empowerment and gender equality. When a woman can plan her
family, she can plan the rest of her life.
“Family planning is
also an effective means in the fight against poverty,” said Ms. Obaid.
“Parents can plan ahead and devote more of their resources to the
education and health of each child.”
ILO Good Job media release 2008
Planning
corporate CSR strategies, recruitment strategies, development policy,
or development training on youth and employment issues? “A Good Job?”
is often the question asked by young Sri Lankans in their hunt for
employment and livelihood. And equally often, young people do not find
“good” jobs but, instead, must be content with whatever they find – if
they find jobs at all.
With the problem of youth
unemployment, a major issue afflicting this country for decades, with
successive rural youth rebellions directly linked to this problem, the
new video discussion programme recently produced on this subject is
designed to help corporate strategists, development agencies, social
service organizations and local community groups to engage with the
problem with more awareness.
International Alert Sri Lanka has produced the “A Good Job”
training DVD and instruction guide in collaboration with the
International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Youth Employment
Network (YEN), with the technical producer Young Asia Television. The
DVD package derives from the TV debate series conducted in all three
languages and telecast earlier this year on Rupavahini, ETV and TNL
channels, an International Alert media release said.
With
active studio audiences and discussion panels comprising young
development activists and youth leaders, business people and
industrialists who look to youth as the labour pool, and government
planners and experts, the TV series opened up a lively debate on this
hot topic. The whole range of issues and aspects of the problem were
examined and debated, with key issues identified and even some lesser
known related problems highlighted publicly during these debates.
The
issues and the possible answers that have been highlighted are now
captured in a well edited DVD product that acts as a discussion
stimulant and guide for use in corporate strategizing, policy planning,
public discussions as well as in development training programmes. The
DVD package is designed as an audio-visual tool for awareness –building
on youth employment issues and for training programmes and courses for
development activists, corporate CSR strategizing, ‘change agents’, and
for policy discussions and debates. A high quality training software
for all trainers produced by YA-TV, the country’s most experienced
Development television producer, the DVD comes with a detailed
instruction guide for users.
The DVD Pack is being
launched in Colombo on Friday 15th August, at the Hotel Taj Samudra at
4.15 pm at a ceremony attended by private sector leaders, government
economic affairs and youth affairs officials and development experts.
The keynote address is by Ms. Tine Staermose, Country Director,
International Labour Organisation.
For further information, below are provided excerpted quotes from the DVD:
“We
have about 10,000 schools in the country but not even 10% of these
schools can provide the kind of aptitude, skills, orientation and
communication skills that we talk about. .. the quality of the
education matters too”
Prof. S.T. Hettige, Snr. Prof. of Sociology – University of Colombo.
“..The
rural youth feel that to get in to the private sector they need to come
from a particular background which is very much linked to things like
English language and Western culture. Further, the jobs that are
available in the private sector do not help youth achieve the kind of
importance that a public sector job entails”.
Harini Amarasuriya – Lead Researcher – SPARC – University of Colombo
“Our
vocational Training sector has to be regulated as we cannot allow
mushroom institutes to crop up and provide all kinds training which
distorts the whole system and expertise.”
Mr. Dakshitha Thalagodapitiya – CEO/Secretary General – Chamber of Construction Industry
ILO and SLIDA in joint efforts to improve the capacity of public officers responsible for Private Sector Development
Private
Sector Development is now highly prioritised by the Government as a
major contributor to the country’s development. Therefore, the
Enterprise for Pro-Poor Growth (Enter-Growth) project of the
International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Sri Lanka Institute of
Development Administration (SLIDA) have jointly developed two
certificate courses aimed at improving the capacity of public officers
responsible for Private Sector Development and implementing business
regulations. These courses have the potential to affect a significant
number of public officers with responsibilities related to economic
development and to improve the business environment.
This
is part of a long-term collaboration between ILO and SLIDA. From
January – April this year, the Enter-Growth project and SLIDA have
trained 2,000 public officers in business registration of small
enterprises in 70 Divisions in North Central and North Western
Provinces.
The Enter-Growth project in collaboration with ILO
International Training Centre in Turin and the ILO Office in Geneva are
organising a capacity enhancement programme for selected faculty staff
from SLIDA, Sri Lanka Institute for Local Governance (SLILG), Hector
Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) and Public
Service Training Institute (PSTI) on delivering the two courses on
Private Sector Development.
The inauguration of the capacity enhancement programme will be held at Hotel Goldisands, Negombo on 28July at 9.00 am
with the participation of Honourable Karu Jayasuriya, Minister of
Public Administration and Home Affairs and Ms. Tine Staermose, ILO
Country Director as well as Heads of all relevant Government Institutes.
ILO Assists Tsunami Victims Restore their livelihoods
The
CB-TREE Project of the International Labour Organization has assisted
the restoration and creation of eighty eight enterprises of various
trades for the people affected by the tsunami in the coastal villages
of Ampara District.
The project, which is funded by
the government of Belgium is being implemented in coordination with the
Sri Lankan Government and fifteen local NGOs, using a participatory
methodology on community planning, skills and enterprise development
training, group organizing and post-training support including
micro-finance using a new concept on community fund scheme or Co-Fund.
As
of this year eight hundred and seven project beneficiaries are directly
employed, of whom 74.5% are women and 3,000 of their family members
have become indirect beneficiaries. The project also has special
training projects directly involving seventeen persons with
disabilities (PWD) and five beneficiaries with a PWD among their
families.
A report of a recent independent tracer
study conducted for 55 enterprises stated that the monthly income of
the beneficiaries have been raised by 62.2% after training, from an
average of Rs.3,248 to Rs.5,267 after the project intervention.
Furthermore an aggregate income in terms of wages of the beneficiaries
estimated to be in the range of Rs.2,000,000 per month has been
reported in the same study contributing to the new economic dynamism in
the tsunami-affected areas from Kalmunai to Panama in the Ampara
District.
Aside from these benefits of training, the
project has also organized seven communities and trained them on
creating a community enterprise system through a community-owned and
managed micro-financing scheme known as the Co-Fund. The seven
community groups have a total membership of 601 heads of families of
tsunami victims. The scheme has helped create and restore 228
livelihood projects of various trades among the members on short-term
loans averaging Rs.17,350 each. This component of the project is now
indirectly benefiting more than 2,800 beneficiaries affected by the
tsunami.
The project has covered fifty four villages
in eleven DS Divisions in the Ampara District from January 2006. It is
assisted by fifteen local NGOs that have been trained on the CB-TREE
Methodology. Training projects and beneficiaries are assessed by
technical working groups organized around the livelihood committees of
each DS Division.
The Project is assisted by a
national Project Advisory Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Labour
Relations and Manpower composed of Ministries mandated for employment
generation, rural development, poverty alleviation and private sector
groups.
The ILO will convene a National Workshop on
26 June 2008 to present its performance to the Government and to launch
the CB-TREE Manual of tools and instruments for adaptation by
government and private partners.
