Access to justice in Sri Lanka: Addressing the needs of the displaced
By Zoe Keeler, Assistant Resident Representative for Programme and Sharmeela Rasool, Project Manager, UNDP Sri Lanka

On 18 May 2009 the Sri Lankan government formally announced its military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its regaining of complete territorial control over Sri Lanka. The final weeks of the conflict resulted in an estimated 200,000 people fleeing the fighting. More than 300,000 people are now displaced, mostly concentrated in the North-Central Vavuniya District, where new internally displaced camps have been established.

Experience has shown that large displacements of populations considerably increase the likelihood of sexual violence against women and girls. Focus group discussions conducted in these camps have revealed that family separation is a major concern for displaced persons. Not only does this have a psychological impact on their well-being, but it can also contribute to making women more vulnerable to violence.

UNDP, through its Equal Access to Justice Project, is exploring opportunities for providing assistance in the camps and will be undertaking a needs assessment in the coming weeks. The project has long-established partnerships with the government’s Legal Aid Commission, the Legal Aid Foundation of the Sri Lanka Bar Association and several local non-governmental legal aid providers. UNDP, through its national implementing partner, the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration, is engaging with the authorities responsible for camp management on the possibility of establishing mobile legal aid services within the camps. A mapping of the legal aid sector in Sri Lanka, conducted by UNDP in 2008, found that domestic violence, child abuse, incest, and sexual harassment were among the most common violations for which people sought legal aid assistance. Many legal aid providers are therefore already equipped to provide sound guidance in these matters. If legal aid services are established within the government-run camps, UNDP will be in a position to offer technical assistance by establishing links between lawyers working in the camps and experienced legal experts in the capital Colombo, and by facilitating access to gender-based violence related jurisprudence.

In addition, the government has asked UNDP to take the lead on providing basic legal documentation to internally displaced populations such as identification cards. These cards will not only facilitate movement between the camps but will also hopefully contribute to family reunification and a subsequent reduction in risk of sexual assault.CPR

Photo credit:UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe/Sri Lanka

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In this Issue

> Fighting impunity: DRC
> Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo
> Sexual violence in Liberia
> Sexual Violence in Somalia
> Access to justice in Sri Lanka

Quick Links

Rule of Law in Conflict and Post-conflict Situations

Learn more about UNDP Rule of Law initiatives in Strengthening the Rule of Law in Conflict/Post-Conflict Situations: Global Programme 2008-2011 (pdf).

Gender and crisis

Donor proposal on Women and Girls in Crisis (pdf)