Working with children affected by ongoing armed conflict in Sri Lanka

Trabajando con niños afectados por el conflicto armado continuo en Sri Lanka

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has seen many phases in the last 18 years, but for the children and their families living amidst this conflict there is no difference in their suffering. Having lost most of what they had, and having changed their settlements many times, these eastern families that always live FOR children are compelled to live ON children, clinging on only hope as their savior. A research survey conducted on thousands of these children and families revealed greater details on the socio-cultural strengths they possess and the common simplistic dreams that these children of aspire to, regardless of their ethnic origin.

This paper goes on to explain the situation that prevails, the functioning of social organizations & their efficacy and the intensity of the impact of the conflict especially on children. The needs and the type of psychosocial care that these children require are analyzed and the appreciable and workable way of achieving a networking that is currently being built is also discussed. The conceptualization of capacity building in those who are responsible for children, involvement of the Government and Non Government Organizations, child participation and community ownership in these program activities are highlighted. The challenges in working in such areas are stressed.