Sri Lanka Red Cross > Departments > Restoring Family Links, Migration and Displacement > Migration & Displacement

Migration & Displacement

Migration and displacement are among the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. Every year, millions of people are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, disasters, climate change, economic hardship, and other crises. Throughout these journeys, people often face heightened risks, including family separation, exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and limited access to essential services.

As an auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field and a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) is committed to protecting the lives, dignity, and well-being of people affected by migration and displacement, regardless of their legal status, nationality, or migration journey.

Guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, SLRCS provides humanitarian assistance that is impartial, neutral, and based solely on need. We work closely with communities, government institutions, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other humanitarian partners to strengthen protection, reduce vulnerabilities, and build resilience.

Our Work

SLRCS supports migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, stateless persons, migrant workers, and host communities through a range of humanitarian services, including:

Humanitarian support for vulnerable migrants and displaced persons.
Information dissemination on safer migration and available humanitarian services.
Capacity building for staff and volunteers on migration and displacement issues.
Community awareness and preparedness to reduce vulnerabilities.
Emergency response and humanitarian assistance during disasters and crises.
Protection and referral services through coordination with government authorities and humanitarian partners.
Advocacy for the dignity, rights, and humanitarian needs of people on the move.

Our Approach

SLRCS adopts a people-centered and community-based approach that recognizes the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of people affected by migration and displacement. Our interventions focus on:

Saving lives and reducing human suffering.
Protecting dignity and promoting inclusion.
Preventing family separation and supporting family reunification.
Strengthening resilience and self-reliance.
Enhancing coordination and partnerships for effective humanitarian action.

Through its nationwide branch network and dedicated volunteers, SLRCS continues to provide humanitarian assistance to people on the move across Sri Lanka, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Our Commitment

SLRCS remains committed to addressing the humanitarian consequences of migration and displacement through sustainable, coordinated, and principled action. By strengthening preparedness, expanding humanitarian services, and promoting protection and inclusion, we strive to ensure that every person affected by migration or displacement receives the support they need with humanity, dignity, and respect.

Geneva Convention of 12th August 1949 and the UN resolution 55 (1) recognizes the Red Cross National Society as an Auxiliary to the Government in its humanitarian activities and its right to act upon its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

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