Un Special Rapporteur on Idps Visits Sri Lanka to Examine Overall Situation of Displaced

The special representative of the United Nations in Geneva on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a five-day official visit to examine the overall situation of IDPs in the country.

During his visit from 2 to 6 December, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Dr. Chaloka Beyani will meet with representatives from the Sri Lankan Government, civil society and the UN, among others.

The UN Special Rapporteur this morning met Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the parliamentary complex. He also met with Ministers Mahinda Samarasinghe, Gunarathne Weerakoon and Douglas Devananda.

Dr. Beyani He will also visit various sites of displacement and meet with displaced persons and local authorities.

“I will gather first-hand information from all parties, including displaced persons and affected communities themselves,” said Dr. Beyani, who will visit conflict-affected Jaffna and Mullaitivu districts.

“I will also look at the challenges and opportunities for durable solutions for IDPs, while...