NGO accuses officials of abusing aid for Aceh<\/p>\n
Forum-Asia, an Asian-based human rights watchdog, expressed
\nconcern on Wednesday over the alleged abuse of aid for tsunami
\nvictims in Aceh as some officials were selling the food aid to
\nsurvivors.<\/p>\n
The NGO received reports from its members and partners who
\nwere working inside Aceh that officials at Banda Aceh's Sultan
\nIskandar Muda Airport sold instant noodles for Rp 500 (US$0.05)
\nper pack.<\/p>\n
The NGO also recorded that desperate survivors at some
\ndistribution centers managed by the military were denied aid if
\nthey were unable to produce proper identity cards.<\/p>\n
\"In some cases, those who fail to present their identity cards
\nare harassed and even beaten up. It is assumed that such
\nincidents are more prevalent in remote areas,\" the NGO said in
\nits report revealed at a press conference.<\/p>\n
To prevent further abuses in the field, the NGO appealed to
\nthe Indonesian government to immediately outline detailed
\nprocedures for the disbursement of aid on the ground.<\/p>\n
It also demanded the military authority create a code of
\nconduct for military personnel supporting relief work, in order
\nto enable civil society volunteers to assist the survivors. -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ngo-accuses-officials-of-abusing-aid-for-aceh-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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