Promoting health for refugees
india
India refugee health program with return to Sri Lanka focus
Organisation for Eelam Refugees' Rehabilitation (OfERR)
Many Sri Lanka refugees who have been living for decades in camps in India, lack essential health services. We work alongside a local organisation we partner with to improve the health of refugees through disease prevention programs focused on vulnerable groups including women, girls and people with disabilities.
Improving the health of vulnerable Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in India
Sri Lankan refugees who have been living long-term in refugee camps in India face significant health challenges, especially vulnerable groups including women, girls and people with disabilities. Limited services and a lack of education means many refugees face high risk of disease and mental health issues.
Through a partnership with Organisation for Eelam Refugees’ Rehabilitation (OfERR), the Refugee Health Promotion Program aims to improve the health of Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in India. The program focuses on disease prevention and maximising resources, so refugees can maintain good health.
Access to health services for refugees seeking safety in exile, especially for vulnerable people like women, girls, and people with disabilities is vital. Act for Peace invests in local organisations to join forces and help build positive change and address displacement together.
Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation
OfERR was born in 1984 as a voice for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who were forced to flee their homeland and take refuge in India during the armed conflict which displaced tens of thousands of families.
A nonprofit, non-political humanitarian organisation, OfERR is comprised of Sri Lankan refugees whose mission is to speak up for the rights of refugees and to provide them with peace, dignity and empowerment.
OfERR has grown from being an organisation run by refugees and for refugees, to one that takes pride in also giving back to the Indian government and citizens who benevolently provided asylum to Sri Lankan Tamils over the years.
Act for Peace gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
“I want to become a doctor. While I was sick, these doctors helped me so much and cured me. So, I want to cure the children who are suffering like me.”
~ Achala
India
