ABSTRACT
The world is facing the biggest displacement since World War II. The data from the UN agency states that approximately 68.5 people are displaced and uprooted. This includes 25.4 million refugees. The displacement creates socio-economic and political problems. Mental issues, stress, trauma, depression, and anxiety are some of the issues connected with displacement. Such a situation brings down the quality of life and lowers the dignity for self-reliance and self-respect. India has protected and assisted millions of refugees from neighbouring countries since its independence. Among many refugees from different ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, there are about 65,000 Sri Lankan refugees scattered in 107 camps in Tamil Nadu, India. The refugees have been condemned to stay in camps for more than two decades in Tamil Nadu. As the governments of India and Sri Lanka have not taken any concrete measure for their return, repatriation, or reintegration, their lives remain uncertain. Besides, owing to miserable camp conditions for a protracted period and struck by poverty, many social pathological problems surface in the camp. Meanwhile, governments and NGOs undertake rehabilitation works. The study is an attempt to investigate the socio-economic-cultural problems of Sri Lankan refugees in India and the rehabilitation strategies of humanitarian agencies. The impact of rehabilitation strategies needs to empower refugees to face the seemingly insurmountable challenges in their lives. The refugees must live with dignity. It seems far-fetching and illusionary. With the commitment of the government and the NGOs, attempts can be made to make refugees live with dignity. What is envisaged here is a Life-Livelihood-Dignity model of rehabilitation for Sri Lankan refugees in India. At each stage of rehabilitation, there is a degree of participation of refugees. Moreover, a wide range of factors influences the model. This model aims at working towards the integrated development of the refugee community. The fundamental dimension in every stage of assistance is to foster life and promote dignity.
