WCDM-Batticaloa influencing Shelter Task Force and Batticaloa GA's statement on current resettlement processes

While working to provide assistance to families affected by the tsunami, there was a growing feeling among women's groups and civil society groups in Batticaloa that decisions were being made at a district and national level without any consultation with local populations and local organizations. There was also a strong feeling among local women's groups in Batticaloa that gender issues and women's rights were being completely overlooked. Therefore there was a move to draft a memorandum listing all the concerns related to women in the resettlement process. Six organisations working on gender issues in Batticaloa participated for the first meeting, which was held on the 10th January 2005 and at that meeting the Women's Coalition for Disaster Management- Batticaloa (WCDM) was formed. All those present agreed to the memorandum and ultimately 12 organisations signed on as members of the WCDM-Batticaloa. This was then sent to government representatives, the Task Forces established under the Kachcheri, INGOs and the Media.

One of the issues mentioned in the memorandum was that in decision-making processes about designing temporary and semi permanent shelters and in moving displaced populations out of their current accommodation, there was very little consultation and information dissemination to the affected people.

As a response to the Memorandum, the German Technical Corporation (GTZ) who is the INGO partner of the Task Force on Shelter, invited representatives of the WCDM - Batticaloa to raise our concerns at the meeting. Two members of the committee, equipped with two reports done through small scale interviews with the women living in the camps, and international documents such as the Sphere Guidelines on Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, went for the meeting on the 20th of January 2005.

As a result of their interventions the Task Force on Shelter decided to formulate a Sub Committee on Shelter, to put forward the views of local organizations and come up with recommendations to make the process more humane. This Sub Committee comprised of a cross section of civil society actors and international organizations, including a member of the WCDM. They identified as a key issue, the lack of accurate and reliable information on resettlement and benefits, to the people in camps. They drafted a statement which listed the government decisions already taken on resettlement and the decisions which were being discussed at the moment; and lobbied the GA to issue it as an official document. The GA finally agreed to this recommendation. 15,000 copies were printed by the 27th of January, and these will to be distributed to people living in the camps. The statement is attached below.

There are still specific gender concerns that need to be followed up with this statement - such as who is going to be recognized as the head of household? Will women get the cash that the government is handing out? What kind of special attention will be given to women's concerns? Also it is important to keep pressuring the GA and INGOs to adhere to these promises that have already been made. This statement has been an important first step. However, the WCDM- Batticaloa will continue its role as a lobbying and advocacy group in the Batticaloa District and take up new issues as they come up while following through on old concerns.

Translation of the public handout issued by the GA dated 23rd January 2005

Announcement

To all those who were affected by the Tsunami and are displaced:

We share in the sorrow and suffering of the people who lost their loved ones and their homes and are presently displaced. We understand your anxiety about your future. We know that people have several questions about their present situation, future plans and resettlement and these are confusing issues. We have no ready answers to all the questions. However, we can provide some basic information.

People affected by tsunami will be thoroughly consulted about government plans and complete detailed information will be provided.
Those living in welfare centers at present will not be forced to leave until such time that the temporary relocation sites are ready. Schools will reopen as soon as it is physically possible.
Temporary camps will be prepared in a way that will ensure decent living conditions.
Relocation of people will be voluntary.
All those who have registered themselves as affected and those who are with friends or relatives are entitled to relief measures.
Those who have not registered themselves can register with the GS of your area.
Special attention will be given to the needs of the elderly, orphans, women and the sick.

Those who want to return to your original homes must ensure:
· That the house is structurally safe
· That toilets and wells are suitable for use

For those who are resettling, the following relief measures are available:
Cash Rs.2500/- (to purchase cooking utensils)
Rs. 375/- worth stamps per person per week made up of Rs. 175/- for prescribed food items and Rs. 200 in cash.
There are ongoing discussions on other relief measures to be taken.

The government will provide detailed information on resettlement matters and return to your homes.

The Government Agent,
Kachcheri, Batticaloa