East Timor Conflict
Monday, 17 July 2006
The dismissal and subsequent protests of close to 600 soldiers and their supporters have triggered a wave of violence that has put the country's hard-earned political and socio-economic gains down the drain.
More than 140,000 Timorese residents fled their homes following the spate of violence that started April 28, 2006 and peaked on May 25, 2006. This violence was triggered by protesting dismissed soldiers demanding redress for alleged discrimination in the 1,400 strong Timor Leste defense force (FFDTL).
Fighting between the military and police and rival youth gangs organized along the east-west ethnic divide ensued. Unable to contain the upsurge of violence, the government was forced to ask assistance from foreign governments (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal) to help quell the wave of violence sweeping Dili and nearby districts.
Although the violence has subsided with the help of foreign troops, sporadic attacks, looting and burning of houses and shops continue to sow fear among the local population
Facts and figures to date
- The total number of Internally Displaced People has climbed to 140,000 with 65-70,000 in approximately 55 camps in Dili and neigbouring villages and 70,000 in the 12 other districts.
- The dismissed FDTL soldiers and their supporters are still in the hills close to Dili. Their issues are far from resolved.
- Foreign troops from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal are helping keep the fragile peace in Dili.
- Sporadic burning of houses belonging to either side (East-West) and looting of shops/warehouses continue in Dili
Read about how Concern is helping Anna Maria Soares
Read about how Concern is helping Juliana Gayu
Impact
This conflict has cost the government some of the gains it has achieved since declaring independence in 2002 such as the non-functioning of the police and military. Services such as electricity, water and telephone have been affected but have functioned throughout the crisis period. The local economy has been severely affected with vendors unable to bring goods to market and people having little cash. The prices of gas and basic commodities have skyrocketed. Although some shops are reopening in Dili, most businesses are still closed and waiting for the security situation to improve.
The districts outside Dili have been swamped by people who have fled their homes, straining the limited resources and social services in these areas where the poorest people live. Close to half of the internally displaced are in the districts with friends and relatives, straining whatever coping strategies they may have.
Overall Response
Overall response is being coordinated ably by the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion with the support of international organizations and NGOs. NGOs are coordinating the delivery of aid in water in sanitation, food, shelter/non food items and social protection. So far there has been adequate food distributions, but extra may be need for those groups at risk such as children, pregnant and lactating women and the disabled. Water and sanitation services are being provided but hygiene is an issue as the camps become over crowded. There is growing need for tents, tarpaulins and sleeping mats as more people move to the camps. Protection issues, including child protection and gender-based violence are a growing concern.
