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| Is blood red the only colour that warrants Attenti | | Last year was the most turbulent and bloody one in the history of the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. | | More... | |
| Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake met with several U.S.-based organizations representing members of the Tamil diaspora to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. | | More... | |
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 Vision and Mission |
ORGANIZATION FOR EELAM REFUGEES REHABILITATION (OfERR)
VISION STATEMENT
OfERR is an organization of Ceylon1 Tamil refugees, by refugees and for refugees, committed to the principles of human development and sustainable livelihoods.
OfERR’s mission is to improve and develop the life and well being of refugees in India and to prepare them for their eventual return to the Island.2 OfERR’s key objective is to build the capacity of refugees, empowering them to make a significant contribution to their social and economic development and to rebuilding their homeland3.
OfERR mobilizes and networks with NGOs and inter-governmental agencies. It works with governments to advocate for and to ensure the protection and the rights of refugees and returnees. OfERR is committed to overcome the disempowerment and discrimination that surrounds the refugee experience.
OfERR is a learning organization which draws on the knowledge and experience of refugees and others. It is always ready to motivate, to innovate and to implement new ideas.
OfERR’s ultimate goal is the realization of equal rights of all citizens, the rule of law, social justice and the restoration of democracy in the homeland and the achievement of sustainable development. OfERR’s lived experience is based on principles of non-violence, non-discrimination (e.g. religion, ethnicity, caste, class, gender, health and disabilities) and democratic structures and processes in the realization of this vision.
MANDATE STATEMENT
OfERR’s programs provide refugees and their families with
- The education and training skills to enhance their abilities and to re-build the community. A special focus is on young women and men as an investment for the future;
- health and nutrition services to strengthen and energize them to be actively involved in their families and in the community;
- counseling and social awareness to strengthen their well-being, the family and the community; and
- Human rights, non-violent and democratic values that will empower them in the process of return and nation building.
Children and vulnerable groups continue to be of special concern .
OfERR’s services and programmes in India will continue until the repatriation of refugees is completed.
Empowerment of women to ensure their equal participation in the family, community and society is an OfERR priority.
In preparation for the voluntary return of refugees, OfERR will establish a presence on the Island to coordinate programmes and carry out relevant advocacy work. OfERR will also provide information to refugees in India about their social and cultural heritage and the social and economic situation in the Island. Refugees will be equipped with the capacities for peace building, respect for human rights and democracy. Awareness about landmine protection will be an important part of the preparation for return.
OfERR’s advocacy work will include
- sustaining activities in India until all refugees have been repatriated;
- involving refugees in the peace negotiation process;
- promoting the restoration of democracy, justice and peace on the Island;
- facilitating and ensuring the voluntary repatriation and the protection and full rights of returnees; and
- assistance in the settlement process for refugees who decide to remain in India.
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