Australia supports reintegration of refugees

The Australian Government will provide A$3 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to assist with the reintegration of conflict-affected Sri Lankan refugees returning from India.

The Australian High Commissioner, Dr. Greg French, met with head of the IOM in Sri Lanka, Ms Mary Sheehan, to discuss Australia's contribution.

'There is a need to assist refugees who return to Sri Lanka from India, many of whom are without adequate identification papers or any source of income, the High Commissioner said. "Australia's funding to IOM, through the International Refugee Fund, will provide support to thousands of refugees who return to Sri Lanka seeking a place to stay, employment and a source of income."

This program will also better integrate returnees into their local community by providing information on what government services are available to them, including in health and education, as well as educating them on the risk of landmines', Dr. French said. The fund helps reduce the incentive for displaced people to undertake hazardous journeys to other countries within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Australian Government is providing an estimated A$ 35 million (LKR 2,736 million) in aid to Sri Lanka, including A$ 10 million (LKR 781 million) in humanitarian funds for relief and recovery activities following the tsunami.

In addition, over A$ 80 million has been pledged by Australian State Governments and non-governmental organisations to help rebuild Sri Lanka.