EWMI NEWS:
JULY 2009
EWMI ASSISTS IDPs IN SRI LANKA

The end of the civil war in Sri Lanka has not resulted in a marked improvement of conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and access to those in IDP camps continues to be a concern. On July 6, 2009, Jaffna Legal Aid Project (JLAP) staff had the opportunity to visit an IDP Welfare Centre located at Mirusuvil, a village in the Jaffna district. The visit was made to the Welfare Centre to ascertain any needs for legal aid services amongst its occupants. A total of 72 IDPs approached JLAP, all requiring assistance with their land documentation paperwork. These clients were between 17 and 42 years of age and included families and single parents, with equal attention being given to both male and female clients. In addition to requiring assistance with their land documentation, there were several cases dealing with the registration of marriage certificates. While at the camp, JLAP staff also met with clients who were denied admission to the University of Jaffna due to the fact that they were living in an IDP Welfare Center. Through JLAP mediation, all of those clients have successfully been able to enter the university.

The JLAP staff felt it was important to also address the serious lack of basic goods at the camp and spoke with the residents about their non-legal needs. Following the visit, the JLAP organized a private donation drive and was able to deliver children’s clothing, undergarments, sanitary items, books, and writing materials to the Welfare Centre.

The Jaffna Legal Aid Project is funded through a grant from the United States Department of State, and allows EWMI and its local partner, the Center for Public Policy (CPP), to provide free legal advice to underserved and needy citizens in the Jaffna district of Sri Lanka.