Protecting whom? The UNHCR in Sri Lanka, 1987–1997

Abstract

This paper examines the operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Sri Lanka during the decade 1987 to 1997. After briefly dealing with the history of the UNHCR, so that the subsequent discussion is put in context, it looks at the first repatriation programme from south India, which began in December 1987, and assesses whether or not the process was voluntary and safe. That discussion is followed by an examination of the reasons why the UNHCR decided, in 1990, to work on behalf of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Sri Lanka. Subsequently, the events that led to the 1992 repatriation programme from south India to Sri Lanka are presented, an assessment is made of the level of protection that the UNHCR eventually chose to provide returnees, and a possible explanation for why the organization chose to become involved in this endeavour is offered. This is then followed by an examination of the January 1994 Tripartite Agreement on the repatriation of Tamil asylum seekers from Switzerland, signed by the Swiss and Sri Lankan governments and the UNHCR. Finally, some critical comments are made about what has been discussed, and some hard questions asked about the UNHCR's future.