Return to War - Human Rights Watch

workers who have visited the sites, food and security are major concerns. The events
are described in more detail below.
The UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide that every internally
displaced person has the right to liberty of movement, the right to seek safety in
another part of the country, and the right to be protected against forcible return to
any place where their safety would be at risk.
On June 18, Human Rights Watch asked the Sri Lankan government about its plans to
resettle displaced persons from Sampur and East Mutur currently residing in the
Killevedi site, and plans for compensating and otherwise assisting persons from
areas where residents will not be allowed to return. The government replied that, due
to the establishment of a High Security Zone in Mutur (see below) some civilians
would be relocated elsewhere “in consultation with the wishes of the residents and
the choice would also be given to even move to Batticaloa.” 33
March 2007 forced returns from Batticaloa
Beginning March 12, the government returned people from at least six divisions in
Batticaloa district. More than 900 individuals were sent to Trincomalee district as
part of a plan to return approximately 2,800 internally displaced persons.
The returns were accomplished with a range of abuses. The government notified
some displaced persons slated for return one or two days in advance by placing lists
of names at camp sites. The lists identified persons who had refused to sign letters
consenting to return and those who said they were scared or unwilling to return. 34 To
pressure individuals to return, government officials and military personnel
threatened to withdraw humanitarian aid, food, and other essential supplies. 35 Some
officials threatened families that they would revoke their family cards, which entitle
them to food rations. In some cases, the security forces reportedly have said that
33 Sri Lankan government response to Human Rights Watch, July 12, 2007.
34 Human Rights Watch interview with humanitarian worker, May 23, 2007.
35 The Sri Lankan government told Human Rights Watch that “all those who have chosen not to be settled are continuing to be
provided with all required assistance from the Government of Sri Lanka.” Sri Lankan government response to Human Rights
Watch, July 12, 2007.
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Human Rights Watch August 2007