(P1-109) Violence, Health and Human Rights: Analysis of the Right to Health for Conflict Displaced Persons Living In IDP Camps in Northern Sri Lanka

Abstract

This presentation explores the nexus between collective violence (in the form of violent civil conflict) and health and human rights in Sri Lanka, focusing specifically on persons displaced during the most recent conflict in Northern Sri Lanka beginning in November 2008. After exploring the normative framework in relation to the right to health, the local legal framework governing internal displacement, and the related component on healthcare access, service provision, and standards will be described. By examining health cluster reports, health surveys, and case-studies, this presentation describes how the health sector responded in providing healthcare services to those war displaced living in internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Vavuniya District. The “rights based approach to health” is examined in relation to the health sector response, and key issues and challenges in meeting health protection needs are highlighted. A conceptual framework on the right to health for IDPs in Northern Sri Lanka is presented. This presentation also explores how some health interventions in the post-conflict Sri Lankan context may have acted as a bridge for peace building and reconciliation.