CONTENTS

Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations

Introduction

1. A history of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
Political background
The context of humanitarian relief

2. Why listen to the displaced?
Hearing the displaced in emergencies
Why is this research important? 
Objectives of the research, 1996-1998

3. How to listen to the displaced: methoodology
How to listen: early days
How to listen: later days 
How to collect the information 
Which method to choose?

4. Things to consider when researching displacement
Training Working with children 
Gender and women's voices 
Listening to the disabled 
Choosing the research participants 
Selecting the research team

5. Analysis
Particiative feedback sessions
Thoughts about analysis

6. Outcomes
Relief items
Gender issues 
Coping mechanisms 
People's capabilities 
Past interventions 
Information for advocacy

7. Lessons learned
Strengths of the methodology 
Weaknesses of the methodology 
Looking to the future - next steps 
Conclusion

Notes
References

Appendices
Appendix 1: How to obtain copies of the research reports
Appendix 2: Questions asked in interview groups in 1997
Appendix 3: Site Information Recording Sheet

Maps
Map 1: Region of the conflict: Sri Lanka/India 
Map 2: Sri Lanka: nine provinces and 24 districts
Map 3: The Wanni and Jaffna

Figures
Figure 1: 'Listening to the displaced' cycle 
Figure 2: 'Listening to the displaced' process (detail) 
Figure 3: Recording the information 
Figure 4: Collating the information

Tables
Table 1: Significant events in Sri Lanka, 1948-1999 
Table 2: Relief goods test results, 1996 
Table 3: Samples of focus-group questions, 1997 
Table 4: Key questions reviewed in 1998 
Table 5: Facilitation: key issues

Index