`Your subject of protection is a dangerous one': Protracted internal conflictand the challenges for humanitarian agencies

摘要

Internal displacement in Sri Lanka exists in the context of a protracted condition of insecurity produced by intractable war andpolarization of society along ethno-political lines. People remain exposed to risks and threats to their security over prolongedperiods of time and the mobilization of inter- and intra-ethnic tensions exacerbates the breakdown of trust and protection atcommunity level. Humanitarian agencies seeking to assist displaced civilians are compelled to grapple with challenges about how toengage in the most skilful and effective way in a risky and difficult environment. Drawing on field interviews in TrincomaleeDistrict, the article examines humanitarian agency approaches to protection in this politically challenging context. It is divided intosix sections -- international policy discussion on protracted internal displacement situations; the intractability of war in Sri Lanka;humanitarian approaches to protection; the political contours of the conflict in Trincomalee; the specific protection challengesconfronting humanitarian agencies as they work in this highly politicized and militarized arena; and finally, the lessons and creativestrategies crafted by agencies to negotiate these challenges.