IN THIS ISSUE

Information Update

CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

April

2012

THE INFORMATION UPDATE IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE CHA WEBSITE : http://www.humanitarian-srilanka.org

VAVUNIYA

Meeting with GA, Vavuniya Mrs. P S M Charles where she was

handed over English, Sinhala and Tamil versions of Sphere hand

books.

Vavuniya Introductory session was held at UNHCR premises. There

were 19 participants from UN, INGOs and NGOs. Introduction on

Sphere standards was given by CHA team. All participants were

given English and Tamil versions of Sphere handbook at the end of

the session.

D iscuss ion w i th DMC

coordinator where the DMC

team was briefed on Sphere

standards and handed over

English, Sinhala and Tamil

versions of Sphere hand

books. They requested

training on Sphere for all officers who are working related to

disaster responses.

Meeting with

Director Board,

NGO Consortium,

Vavuniya given

an introduction

on Sphere 2011

edition with one

set of Sphere

h a n d b o o k s

given for their

reference

Vavuniya Public Library

was given set of Sphere

handbook and Librarian

requested hand books for

other libraries as this

would be a very helpful

publication for users.

(Continued on page 2)

Introductory session and dissemination of Sphere 2011 Humanitarian Charter

and Minimum Standard in Disaster Response in Northern Province

Introductory sessions and dissemination of Sphere 2011 were in Vavuniya, Killinochchi, Mullaitive and Jaffna

PSYCHOSOCIAL UPDATE - Page 4

UPR SHADOW REPORT — Page 5

DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS - Page 6

COLOMBO KNOWLEDGE CENTRE NEW ACQUISITIONS -Page 5

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CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

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Update

KILLINOCHCHI

Killinochchi District launching

ceremony was held at the

Conference room, District

secretariat, Killinochchi.

C h i e f G u e s t w a s

Mrs. R Ketheeswarn,

G o v e r n m e n t A g e n t ,

Killinochchi. There were 17

participants from UN, INGOs

and NGOs. Introduction on Sphere standards was given by CHA

team. All participants were given English and Tamil versions of

Sphere handbook at the end of the session.

Meeting with DMC

coordinator, Killinochchi

was held on 25th April

and they were handed

over one set of Sphere

handbooks. They want to

educate all Divisional

level officials on Sphere

and requested to arrange

introductory sessions in

divisional level.

Inter-Agencies meeting were held at WFP conference hall, Killino-

chchi. There were 20 participants from UNOCHA, RMAO, UNDP,

UNHCR, WFP, FAO, UNICEF, WHO, SLRC, UNHABITAT, OXFAM .etc.

Mr. Hashim has given brief introduction of Sphere standards and

participants were given English and Tamil copies.

Public Library of Karachchi

Pradeshiya Sabha was giv-

en set of Sphere hand-

books. She also requested

additional copies for other

public libraries in Killinoch-

chi districts.

MULLAITIVU

Meeting with Mr. N.Vethanayagam GA Mullaitivu where he was

handed over English, Sin-

hala and Tamil versions of

Sphere hand books. He

was given 10 copies of

Sphere standards for

Divisional secretariats in

Mullaitivu district on his

request.

Meet ing w i th DMC

coordinator, Mullaitivu was

held on 25th April and he

was handed over one set

of Sphere handbooks. Discussion with Sri Lanka Red Cross officials,

Mullaitivu was held at SLRC office. Mr.S Satheeswaran, Branch

Executive officer and all field officers participated for the discussion

and they were briefed of Sphere Standards. Some of them aware of

the Sphere standards and they also interest of training programs on

Sphere new edition.

(Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 3)

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CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

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JAFFNA

Jaffna District launching ceremony was held at 11 AM at the Library

Auditorium, University of Jaffna. Chief Guest was Mrs. Emelda Suku-

mar, Government Agent, Jaffna. General Officer Commanding 51

Division Brigadier Piyal Wick-

ramaratne also participated

for the event.

There were 77 participants

from UN, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs

and students. Introduction on

Sphere standards was given

by CHA team. All participants

were given Tamil version of

Sphere handbook at the end

of the session. English ver-

sion was given on request

for 35 participants.

Meeting with DMC coordina-

tor, Jaffna was held on 27th April and they were handed over one set

of Sphere handbooks. He also mentioned training requirements for

Sphere standards.

(Continued from page 2)

Workshop on Introduction to Sphere-25th & 26th April 2012

A Workshop on Introduction to Sphere was held in

Jaffna. 29 participants from Care International, IFRC,

ZOA Refugee Care, SOND, People Welfare Organization,

Non Violent Direct Action Group, VAROD, Institute of

Nursery Studies and Gender Development, Alliance

Development Trust, University of Jaffna, DDMCU,

National Water Supply and Drainage Board, District

Secretariat, Local Authority, RDHS and Sri Lanka

Broadcasting Cooperation participated at this workshop.

Participants were able to identify their mistakes in the

past humanitarian responses and understood the way to

improve the mistakes. They collectively agreed this

standard could be achieved only by proper coordination

with CBO, I/NGOS and government offices working in

different sectors since each sectors is interconnected.

This programme was subsidized with funding support

from Swiss Development cooperation (SDC).

Comments from the participants

Successful initiative by CHA. This workshop will

help to implement the standard in divisional work

and also to monitor the standard of the other

implementing agencies. Ms K Renugapathy-

Assitant Director Planning- District secretariat.

I got more experience from other participants.

Knowledge will help in community based work.

T Ilamurugan- Community Development officer,

Local Authority

Was not ware that we are going to participate in

such an important training. Presentation is very

good. I will promote the sphere project to the

public. CBO, Government officers and NGO

coordination is needed apply the learning.

N Mahendran- Community Development officer,

Local Authority

I will be able to apply the learning in future water

supply and drainage emergency work. I will share

the book with my subordinate to refer for future

emergency. K Selvakkumar- District Engineer-

NWSDB

Overall everything was good- Surly I will implement

the learning in our upcoming nutrients project.

Suggest you have this training in grass root level

too. M Pribosh –Team leader-ADT

These types of trainings should be conducted to

the village community. Ravi Sangarapillai- District

Assistant Director- DDMC

Excellent arrangement and well organized. Will

discuss the learning with my co workers.

T Chanthuru-Programme Manager-IFRC

Excellent training. It will be very useful for the day

today work in humanitarian work.

A Piragesh- Project officer-ZOA

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CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

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Update

PSYCHOSOCIAL UPDATE

GENERAL ACTIVITIES:

1. CHA Clinic: The Psychological clinic is seeing regular clients.

2. Coordinating with Kahawatta Plantation director Mr. Roshan

(Initiated by PS Consultant) to plan a PS support project for the

plantation workers.

3. Trainings, to commence in the near future, (April - May 2012)

Certificate course in “Positive Discipline” to be conducted by

Dr. Buddhiprabha Pathirana. Ph. D – Senior lecturer,

(University of Peradeniya) . Commencing on the 12th of May

2012, at CHA.

Certificate course in “English Language for Office Skills” by

Ms. Rukmal Salgado (Lecturer at university of Colombo). This

is in collaboration with City and Guilds.

Certificate course in “Yoga Therapy” by Ms.Seetha.

Commencing on the 13th of May 2012, at the Yoga Centre in

Jambugasmulla.

Certificate Course in “Therapeutic Dancing” by Ms. Venuri

Perera.

4. Development of a referral services data base: PS intern has

updated the data base by including the corporate sector and

also created a service data base of mental health services in

Sri Lanka.

5. Planning to coordinate the CHA humanitarian initiative to

disseminate dry rations for people living with AIDS. On this

behalf the PS Consultant has informed the staff to work on a

proper coordination plan ( liaise with the Government health

department – AIDS Bureau and civil society networks to reach

families needing help and organize a training for the volunteers

as to how to screen beneficiaries and develop a monitoring

system at CHA)

6. Coordinating with NCPA to support establishment of a Lifeline

Centre in the Jaffna district .

7. Media collaborations for promotion of PS activities: PS unit is

working on a fund raiser through a Musical Show. Tentatively

planned to have it on the 7th of September 2012, at the HFC

Auditorium. Coordinating with performers and approaching

companies for sponsorships. Upcoming events as such will be

notified to the public through the Sunday Observer events

column.

PSYCHOSOCIAL PROGRAMMES:

Workshops:

A workshop on “Creative

Teaching Skills” was held on

the 07th of April, 2012 at CHA

– by Mrs. Seema Omar. There

12 participants from various

schools and montesorries.

Psycho Social Forum:

The psychosocial forum was

held on the 27th of April, 2012.

Mr. Tami Tamitegama, from

Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation,

Chaired the meeting. PS coor-

dinator presented the district

updates to the members. It

was f o l l owed by Mr .

Tamitegama, then presenting

on the topic “Prevalence and

Prevention of Dementia”

Regional Initiatives - Dis-

trict Updates:

Mannar submitted their up-

dates. The following reflects

activities conducted by their

Psychosocial Networks: (Mannar

updates for April 2012)

One GBV panel meeting at the PSL office discussing psychosocial

issues and the need for awareness activities.

09 field visits to Talai Mannar, Pesalai, Thalvupadu, Adampan, Van-

nakulam, Nanattan, Chemmantheevu, Santhipuram and Keeri. Is-

sues that arose were family violence, child abuse and the lack of

economic support.

04 discussions in Vannakulam, Santhipuram, Periyakamam and

Nanattan. Issues that arose were domestic violence, lack of educa-

tion for children and the need for counseling and monitoring.

Conducted counseling sessions and family health advices for 23

clients.

Plans for May month:

01 psychosocial forum meeting

10 field visits to Manthai west, Nanattan and Mannar DS Divisions

04 discussions with Children and WRDS members

01 workshop for mobilizers

02 GBV/ Psychosocial awareness programmes

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CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

Information

Update

UPR STAKEHOLDER SHADOW REPORT ON SRI LANKA

CHA with IHR submitted a shadow on Sri Lanka for the Universal Peri-

odic Review by the Human Rights Council in Geneva. A selected pas-

sage is reproduced below.

Sri Lankans are subscribed in form to a democratic framework based

on equality. But the reality is that the Sri Lankan polity has

consciously reverted through both constitutional and legal changes to

a competing feudal value system based on patronage. Patronage and

loyalty was the organizing principle of both Sinhalese and Tamil social

systems for centuries prior to the British led changes in the 19th cen-

tury – notably the Colebrooke – Cameron Reforms of 1833. While

caste has been deprived of its economic significance it remains the

fundamental principle of belonging within families and communities at

a social and psychological level. Not addressing this reality runs the

risk of it remaining as a core value – latent and hidden but potent as

ever. This relates to the root causes mentioned below – and the need

for a new analysis of all forms of hidden forms of structural discrimina-

tion within society. True equality requires all forms of discrimination to

be placed on the table to be dealt with through a new social vision and

a social policy. It must be mentioned that the Indian Independence

struggle placed the internal caste problem within society at the heart

of its challenge to the status quo. The Sri Lankan independence move-

ment by-passed this issue altogether. The late colonial leadership

found it expedient to reject caste in public and use caste connections

and loyalties in private. ). It must be acknowledged that Sri Lankans

are searching for an alternative to force and violence which has

dominated our political platform since the end of the irrigation

civilization in 1215. It is important to honour this search and recognize

its historical dimension.

The submission in full is found at : http://www.econsortium.info/cha/Stakeholder%20Submission%20UPR%20Sri%

20Lanka.pdf

CHA ,IHR and the Office of the Advisor on Reconciliation to HE the

President continued their focus on HR related themes found in the

National Human Rights Action Plan with the last of six seminars held

on Torture, Laws Delays and Migrant Workers. Links to conclusions

and minutes are found at : http://www.econsortium.info/cha/CDL/

CHA remains actively engaged on issues of reconciliation and

development. Planning for North-South Economic Dialogues,

developing neighbourhood community capacities for access to Justice

of poorer persons, encouraging review of Policy and approaches to

improving jobs and creating better jobs, retooling veterans and ex

combatants for new careers, implementation options for a Policy on

Reconciliation are a few of the on going focusses.

Training for Children from School for Deaf, Ratmalana continues. During the session held in April the students were asked to design greet-

ing cards for Sinhala and Tamil New Year. They came up with various creative designs.

Equal Rights and Change

Reintegration:

Evolution of

Revolution?

Published by CHA

A focus on reintegra-

tion requires consider-

ation of the economic,

political and social

aspects of the process

The Role of Human

Rights in

Peace-building

Published by IHR

This paper explores

the concept of the

rule of law and how it

has been applied by

nations in transition

A Human Right to

Development:

Moving Beyond the

Rhetoric Published by

IHR

This paper explores the

concept of the rule of

law and how it has been

applied by nations in

The Rule of Law

Revival in Transition

States Published by

CHA

A focus on reintegra-

tion requires considera-

tion of the economic,

political and social

aspects of the process

The 2010 HAP Standard in Ac-countability and Quality Manage-ment (English, Sin-hala, Tamil) Pub-lished by HAP Interna-tional and Christian Aid

This is a multi-agency initiative working to

NGOs in Livelihood

Improvement

By Tek Nath Dhakal

This provides a compre-

hensive perspective and

theoretical understand-

ing on the role of NGOs

to support the livelihood

improvement of the

people and particularly

NATIONAL ACTION

PLAN FOR THE

PROTECTION AND

PROMOTION OF HU-

MAN RIGHTS 2011-

2016

(ENGLISH, SINHALA,

TAMIL) Published By

GoSL

National Action plan is

the government’s re-

sponse to the recom-

mendation of the Vienna

Colombo Knowledge Centre New acquisitions – April 2012

Page 6

CONSORTIUM OF HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES

Information

Update

HAMBANTOTA

Livelihood

Assistance for self

employment

A program to visit

and identify self

employment holders

who are conducting

their business at a

primary level. 01st

program was initiated

in Ambalantota DS division. We were able to identify the most

suitable self employment holder among those visited considering

several selection guidelines. A young business man running a small

poultry farm as his main income generation was provided financial

assistance totaling Rs.30,000.00 provided by businessmen to

improve his business further. We have plan to visit & identify

another self employment holder to assist for their on going business

in another DS division this month.

Child Protection and Child Development

With the objective of

reducing child abuses

and related issues we

conducted a special

awareness program

and discussion for

parents and adults to

initiate child

protection activities in

rural level in

collaboration with

Hambantota District

Child Rights Advocacy Network members at Ridiyagama village for

50 parents We were able to build several voluntary groups to

identify child issues & abuses for intervention in collaboration with

CRPO, Police, Child protection Authority & other relevant parties. We

are scheduled to meet to follow up & obtain feed back monthly.

CHA Coordination & facilitation services

Coordination support for Awurudu festival which organized by

Ambalantota Trade fair Association providing relevant information,

linking relevant parties & institutions to obtain relevant technical &

other services.

DRC Information Disseminating

Information on Tsunami Effected & damage building in Hambantota

district.

Hambantota District NGOs Contact Details for 06 clients

Disseminated Information on International Youth Leaderships program

in Malaysia which is to be held end of May for youth leaders.

Hambantota District information on Media’s contact details to 02 CBOs.

Contact information on Hambantota district Pradeshiya Sabah’s to a

client.

District Office other activities.

Initial actions were taken to commence Hambantota Divisional

coordination meetings, discussions with GA.

MATARA

Coordination facilitation and Networking

Training programme on Candle making was conducted for 15

enterprenures in Mudugamuwa, Weligama AGA division.Practical

programme was very successful and people’s motivation was very

high with the Vesak festival coming in May. Many needed the candle

making mould.CHA discuss with IDB for getting moulds for

reasonable price.

Self Seed Paddy Production Programme

Self seed paddy production programe for Yala season was conducted

successfully with farming communities in Mulatiyana ,Horapavita,

Makandura, Kekunawela and Kapugama villages. 15-20 Farmers who

have ordered the good quality seed for this season according to their

land extent and requirement received paddy seeds.

Community protection Network Meeting

CPN meeting was conducted on 3rd April 2012 with the participation of

12 CBOs in Matara District.

Sisujaya Scholarship Fund

Fund raising for Sisujaya scholarship fund was started by giving fund-

raising ticket books to member organizations in CPN. Selling of these

tickets continued in the month of April. At the beginning of 2012 CPN

supported 24 school children and aims to support 26 students before

end of this year.

JAFFNA

Meetings attended - PTF, Inauguration ceremony of the Sphere workshop at Green Grass Hotel, Norway Embassy;

Mobile Medical Clinic -The people of Allaipiddy village and the

people of Vadamaradchchy East benefited during the month of April .

1101 patients sought treatment.

Early Recovery activities - Zonta Club micro finance Loan recoveries; Solar lights were provided to 12 Women headed families at Pungudutievu with Save the children the North Ceylon Sarvodayam;.

Free tuition – Evening Class - 40 poor students are studying with Two teachers.

Free Legal services by IHR- 23 clients were provided Free Legal services

DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT :

Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (Gte) Limited

No. 86, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07.

Tel/Fax: 011—4626100 | E—mail: info@cha.lk