Press release 19 May 2009
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Sweden to contribute SEK 43 million in humanitarian support to those affected in Sri Lanka

Sweden is to contribute additional humanitarian assistance to support the civilian population affected in Sri Lanka.

"The humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka is still very serious. We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure free humanitarian access to the refugee camps and to the former conflict zone so that assistance can reach those affected," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The war in Sri Lanka essentially appears to be over but the humanitarian needs remain. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) the conflict has resulted in a total of more than 265 000 internal refugees. Most of the internal refugees are in one of the 43 refugee camps controlled by the Sri Lankan Government and a smaller number are in the former conflict zone. The situation in the camps is serious, particularly due to the lack of water and sanitation.

Sweden has decided to respond to the continued urgent and massive humanitarian needs in Sri Lanka by contributing SEK 5 million to the UNHCR from Sweden's core contribution.

Sweden has recently contributed SEK 11 million via the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to several UN humanitarian organisations in Sri Lanka. Via Sida, Sweden has also contributed SEK 27 million in response to the UN appeal for humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. Sweden is prepared to contribute additional support if needed.