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Displaced Sri Lankans living in fear and insecurity, says Amnesty

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: Thousands of Sri Lankans, displaced by ethnic violence and the tsunami, are living in "fear and insecurity'' following renewed hostilities between the Tamil Tigers and security forces, according to a report of Amnesty International released here.

The increasing violence was creating "new waves'' of displaced people creating "widespread panic'' it said, urging the Sri Lankan Government to provide adequate security to people living in refugee camps.

"Almost every major attack in recent months has had a devastating ripple effect as people flee from their homes and villages in search of sanctuary,'' said Purna Sen, Asia-Pacific director at Amnesty.

The report said that, according to the latest U.N. figures, there were more than 639,400 people in Sri Lanka displaced either by the continuing conflict or the tsunami. Many of them, including those living in organised camps, continued to be extremely vulnerable to violence and harassment by the Tamil Tigers, other armed groups, and even members of the Sri Lankan security forces, it added.

"It is the Government's responsibility to protect the rights of these displaced people ... The worsening security situation makes it imperative for the Government to provide them with increased protection," said Ms. Sen.

The report said that on June 17, one woman was killed and 44 others were injured when grenades were lobbed into a church in the northern village of Pesalai, where thousands of people had sought refuge from fighting between the Tamil Tigers and Government forces.

Innocent civilians routinely faced killings, abductions and "disappearances'', the report said pointing out that displaced people were particularly vulnerable because they lacked the support networks of their communities and local authorities.

"On top of the insecurity, displaced people have to cope with a lack of employment opportunities and limited local health and education services. Alcohol abuse and high levels of domestic violence continue to cause concern. While most tsunami camps are well-funded and of a reasonable standard, camps for those displaced by the conflict often lack electricity, transport and proper drainage,'' the report said.

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