The second day of peace talks concluded after seven hours of deliberations, during which the delegates discussed issues relating to rehabilitation & resettlement and human rights.

The progress of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs (SIHRN) was reviewed by the delegations. In addition to administrative matters of the Secretariat, the delegates considered progress made on the resettlement programmes in the Jaffna and Mannar districts. They also discussed matters relating to impediments that constrain the resettlement efforts, including issues of security.

The delegations further discussed the procedural process regarding the North-East Reconstruction Fund (NERF), and agreed to take measures that would expedite the establishment of the fund, in view of the rapidly changing international environment.

The delegations emphasised the need to better involve the participation of SIHRN in medium and long-term development activities of the North and East.

In the afternoon sitting, Mr. Ian Martin, international advisor on human rights, presented a conceptual road map on addressing issues of human rights. The delegations discussed at length the proposals of Mr. Martin and agreed on the need for a declaration on human rights principles and an acceptable mechanism to monitor human rights standards.