UN notes waning attention on Yolanda survivors

MANILA, Philippines - After a 10-day visit and assessment of evacuation areas in the country for people displaced by disaster and conflict, a United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) said the attention on helping survivors rendered homeless by Super Typhoon Yolanda was “waning.”

Chaloka Beyani, in a press briefing to give an initial report on his 10-day visit in the Philippines, said “regrettably, it appears that funding and attention to IDPs is waning.”

“The national government, together with its local government partners, must ensure that it follows through on the assistance that it has provided to date to ensure that it truly meets the needs and rights of all those displaced,” Beyani said.

“While the government is to be commended in terms of its immediate responses, its attention to ensuring sustainable, durable solutions for IDPs remains inadequate to date. I believe that profiling, full needs assessment and verification exercise is required during this crucial transition period between early recovery and the attainment of durable solutions,” Beyani said.

He observed that Yolanda survivors were generally satisfied with the temporary shelters given to them but pointed out basic utilities like electricity and water were not provided in these transition communities. – With Rhodina Villanueva