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A team from the Centre for Policy Alternatives and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre visited Jaffna from 18-21st February 2008 to meet with colleagues and partners in the peninsula and to obtain a firsthand impression of the situation there. The team spoke to local civil society actors, community leaders, IDPs, and members of international humanitarian agencies in Jaffna Town and outside.

The team proposes the following ways forward to address challenges faced in the embattled city.

1. While there is no question that the security situation demands restrictions on movement of the people of Jaffna, the present situation creates an environment of alienation and fear which is counterproductive to the government’s stated intentions of working for the freedom of the Tamil people of the north and east. There should be greater consideration paid by the military and civilian administration to create an environment in which people’s ability to earn a living takes priority.

2. Addressing the human rights issues is a highly complex process, but there are small steps which would relieve some of the tension, fear and suffering. Providing lists of people who have been arrested and ensuring that those called for questioning into military camps be accompanied by family members are first steps towards improving the human security situation. Continuing and increasing language training to the police and the military (which has been previously carried out with some personnel) would also improve communication between them and the local people and help strengthen confidence in state agencies.

3. Providing compensation and support to families of the disappeared and killed is another critical measure.

4. The Jaffna ‘prison’ needs to be upgraded, facilities need to be improved and the separation of ’surrendees’ from other prisoners and remandees with separate rehabilitation centres, should be a priority for all those concerned about the administration of justice.

5. Clarification of geographic locations of HSZs and establishment of consistent guidelines for access should be done so that at least a part of the IDP population can resume their livelihoods.

6. The Commissioner General of Essential Services should engage in a discussion with private shipping companies and the trading community in Jaffna regarding a structure for bringing down costs of goods in Jaffna. This would also involve the Government taking responsibility for ensuring lower shipping costs.

7. The civil aviation authorities should set out guidelines for airline operators that take into consideration not only security issues but also issues regarding the safety and comfort of paying passengers.

8. The Government should review the impact of high prices, security restrictions and lack of livelihoods on vulnerable sections of the Jaffna population. Rations and other assistance schemes to IDPs, Samurdhi Beneficiaries and fisher families should also be accordingly reviewed.

9. The Government should ensure the freedom of expression by guaranteeing protection to media workers and facilitating journalist’s access to communication and printing paper.

10. The Government to assist humanitarian agencies in their work. Ensuring access for humanitarian agencies and providing visas for staff members in a speedy manner are critical steps expected of the Government.

11. Humanitarian Agencies need to take up protection issues relating to the Jaffna populous and their own local staff members. Agencies should devise means of highlighting and addressing critical protection issues including malnutrition and the needs of victims and families of victims. Having more foreign staff members in Jaffna would better ensure the security of staff members.

Full Report at CPALanka.org [pdf file]