Ethnic Warfare in Sri Lanka and the U.N. Crisis

This book explains the complex origins and evolution of Sri Lanka's civil war and how it has created massive civilian displacement. Written by the former Colombo head of UNHCR, the refugee agency, it provides a unique account of frontline conditions during a critical period and an overview of the alternating warfare and ceasefires during the last fifteen years. Clarance analyses the scope for protecting civilians in a war zone and its implications for UN policy. He argues that Washington's bullying of the UN -- particularly over Iraq -- ironically proves the points it seeks to demolish: the indispensibility of UN legitimacy and the professionalism of its field agencies. Clarance urges the need to adopt a more actively engaged role to protect civilians in intra-state conflict, the better to address global problems such as the outflow of refugees and asylum seekers it triggers and the seeds of international terrorism it sows. The book is ideal for anyone who wants an accessible account of the Sri Lankan conflict, as well as policy-makers, NGOs and students of international studies.