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AUSTRALIA

East Timor rebuilding must focus on young people

  • 26 June 2006
‘Our suffering in 1999 allowed us to secure our freedom. This just divides our nation.’

‘My home was burnt by the Indonesian militias in 1999. I worked hard to rebuild it, but it has been destroyed again. It is hard being a victim.’

Since February 2006, issues that previously bubbled beneath the surface in East Timor have begun to boil over. A dispute within the defence forces attracted other disgruntled groups. Public grievances led to violence on 28 and 29 April and the disintegration of the police force in Dili. The situation deteriorated during May with a collapse in security on 23 to 25 May. The arrival of foreign troops helped bring under control the use of weaponry by those associated with the defence and police forces or their collaborators. However, much routine police work is required to protect adequately the people.

While the Timorese military factions cantoned themselves; rampant intimidation, looting, and burning of houses by gangs based on dubious ethnic allegiances continued. The number of dead is unknown. It has been estimated that over 30 people were killed and about 70 injured. Hooligans have burnt some 400 homes and ransacked others. Mobs pillage neighbourhoods and engage in threats and stone throwing against rivals.

Amidst the violence, people fled their homes in Dili and less than a third of the population slept in their own homes in early June. Over 50,000 went to the districts until the security situation in Dili stabilised. The districts remained relatively settled although there is extra pressure because of the influx of people from Dili. There was a further 60,000 living in temporary shelters around Dili. Many of these return to their homes during the day but most still slept in parishes, church properties and other makeshift camps at night. Conditions in these camps vary. Some had difficulty with proper shelter, food, sanitation, and medicines but most are tolerably serviced as provisional situations. Even so, for those who sleep on the ground, it is cold at night, surrounded by mosquitoes, and hot in the midday sun, surrounded by flies.

Many agencies have responded to the emergency. The Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion has assisted those who fled the upsurge in violence around their homes. Religious orders provide refuge, pastoral care and material assistance. Aid agencies supply rice, hygiene kits, tarps, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, cooking sets etc. Oxfam looks to water and sanitation.
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