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| Sunday, 27 March 2005 |
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News Business Features
Editorial
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IOM marks three month anniversary of tsunami Immediately after the December 26 tsunami, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) responded to the humanitarian crisis with emergency aid and assistance to thousands affected by the tragedy. Today, IOM's remains committed to relief and rebuilding in Sri Lanka, said IOM's Sri Lankan Chief of Mission, Mary Sheehan. IOM has already provided emergency tents for 7,000 people. Emergency shelters are built to last between six and 12 months. IOM has also built temporary schools, community shelters, children's play areas, toilets and showers IOM is now moving into building transitional accommodation - housing that can last for up to two years, longer if necessary. Earlier this month, IOM set itself a target of building 1,000 transitional shelters and the goal looks like it will be achieved. "The move from a crowded camp setting to a private dwelling represents a return to a more normal life," said Tony Newman, IOM's Chief of Emergency Operations. "We have designed a shelter that is low-cost yet sturdy and comfortable and which uses re-useable construction materials so that the transitional houses can be dismantled and the materials used again by the house owner." IOM has set another target: over 5,000 transitional houses within the next six months. All IOM shelters will adhere to the government's Task Force for Relief's (TAFOR) guidelines. Livelihood Programmes IOM officers are currently identifying needs for livelihood replacement in communities in Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Matara and Trincomalee districts. It views replacing tools, assets and resources lost in the tsunami as vital to the rehabilitation process in Sri Lanka. It will also support training and re-training in new occupations subject to local market conditions. This is particularly relevant where there is a new single-headed household - when either parent has been killed in the tsunami. "The main aim of the livelihood program is to ensure that economically vulnerable families return to independent self-sufficiency," said IOM's Livelihood Development Officer, Ms. Tamara Chafee. "Addressing the psychosocial and mental well-being of communities affected by the tsunami is essential to the rebuilding of Sri Lanka," says IOM psychosocial officer, Amanda Harris. "It helps communities connect with each other in powerful ways and find the strength as to rebuild their lives emotionally and physically." IOM has started training people to be aware of mental health issues, but also to provide recreational activities such as drama and dance workshops, sports and play. IOM has employed Juan Valdivieso, a former Olympic swimming champion from Peru to work especially with 14-22 age groups. In response to a request from the government of Sri Lanka, IOM's fleet of 72 vehicles have made close to one thousand trips, transporting medical teams, relief personnel and items for the government, international organizations, and NGOs, without charge, making it the lead provider of transport in tsunami relief operations. Disaster Preparedness IOM is assisting the Sri Lankan Parliament Select Committee on Natural Disasters. IOM was requested to provide expertise on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and national policy and management of natural disaster preparedness. As well as providing knowledge, research, and expertise, IOM has been asked to organize two study tours to foreign countries for a team from the committee. The future IOM remains committed to the tsunami relief effort. "Restructuring and rehabilitation is a long term prospect, said Ms. Sheehan. "We remain committed to the people whose lives have been forever changed by the tsunami. Hand in hand with that commitment is our accountability to governments and donors who have provided resources for our work here in Sri Lanka.
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Editorial | Security | Produced by Lake House |
