Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka

Book on Transitional Justice and Women Combatants in Sri Lanka was the outcome of a challenging and interesting research project conducted by me as part of WISCOMP annual fellowship for special projects- 2005. The study looks at how Sri Lanka could successfully Disarm, Demobilize and Reintegrate (DDR) Sri Lankan Army and LTTE women combatants after the civil war of the country. Strategically planned out DDR process considering the needs and rights of the targeted community is an important aspect after an end of a war situation in order to ensure sustainable peace and reconciliation.

This study solely caters for ex- combatant women, considering the gender differences based on the socialization process and accounting for a holistic reintegration program. The study looks at different experiences of LTTE as well Army combatants; it attempts to introduce the DDR process and to theorize the link between human needs and human rights in reintegration and looks at psychological as well as social barriers in reintegration.

Information for the Study was gathered through Interviews with Academics, Activists, Families of Combatants and Ex-Combatants; Literary surveys; Case Studies with LTTE and Army women combatants and ex-women combatants, and Focus Group Discussions. There were many obstacles in obtaining necessary information. It took me more than 5 months to obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence and from Sri Lanka Army headquarters to interview women army soldiers and officers. Although I tried to obtain permission to interview LTTE women combatants officially, I was denied access. I had to rely on informal, un-official sources to conduct the interviews.

Project outcome include, a synopsis of the Civil War in Sri Lanka, Analysis of Army Women and LTTE Women, An introduction to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, An analysis of fulfilling human needs which are protected as human rights in the process of reintegration, portrayal of psychological barriers in reintegration, account of obstacles faced in social adjustment to civil life, comprehensive recommendations to re-integrate women combatants in to society considering obstacles identified by combatants and their families; and a directory of currently available resources in Sri Lanka to re-integrate women combatants.

The book is available at WISCOMP, India (US $ 35, INR 750)

http://www.wiscomp.org/publications.asp?current=2&id=&pub=