Intense conflict in northern Sri Lanka between government forces and the secessionist Tamil Tigers has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes. Their living conditions are harsh and insecure, despite the efforts of humanitarian agencies to alleviate them. In 1996 Oxfam GB began the first in a series of annual surveys to assess the effectiveness of its relief effort. Men, women, and children have been interviewed in depth, and their perceptions and criticisms recorded. The results have been used to inform and improve the relief programme