Sri Lanka

Our work in Sri Lanka focuses on working with key government stakeholders, service providers and other concerned entities to improve protection and solutions for refugees and asylum seekers. We are working with host and refugee communities to better advocate for refugees and asylum-seekers rights, including education and access to work.

Sri Lanka has not ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. However, UNHCR processes asylum claims following the agreement made with the government with the assurance of providing alternative durable solutions such as resettlement to recognized refugees.

UNHCR Sri Lanka also facilitates the voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees living in India and elsewhere. UNHCR supports vulnerable refugee returnees in need of specialized assistance by providing support to access legal counselling on housing, land and property documents through partners and assisting with sustainable reintegration