OfERR is an organisation of Ceylon Tamil Refugees, "by refugees and for refugees." It was founded as a non-profit organization in 1984 by a small group of volunteers, themselves refugees, to support the first wave of Tamil refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Sri Lanka with the protection and empowerment service. OfERR Ceylon began its work in Sri Lanka with a mandate to work with Internally Displa
ced Persons (IDPs) affected by the civil war and prepare for the eventual return of the Tamil refugees who had fled to India and live in the government run refugee camps in Tamil Nadu. When the Tsunami struck Sri Lanka at the end of 2004, OfERR Ceylon expanded its wrok to include humanitarian aid to the Eastern part of the country. Be it conflict, a devastating disaster or the post-war situation, OfERR has extended its support to displaced people and returned IDPs and refugees. The focus is on improving the well-being of people, particularly the vulnerable or marginalized, with an emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness. In order to ensure safe and dignified living of the returned IDPs and refugees, OfERR Ceylon, since its inception, has been implementing the several rehabilitation programs including humanitarian assistance for the returning IDPs and refugees, facilitating the relocation, resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs and refugee returnees and providing support with education and employment, health and nutrition services, water and sanitation, entrepreneur development, micro, small, and medium enterprises and ensuring civil rights through civil and legal documentation.
