Refugees suffer more hardships<\/p>\n
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: As many as 365 East Timorese who
\nfled their strife-ravaged homeland to seek a better life in
\nMakassar are facing further difficulties.<\/p>\n
The 85 East Timorese families staying at the Kasih Ibu
\norphanage on Jl. Datuk Patimang lack food and medicine. Many of
\nthe refugees are ailing and the orphanage is too small to
\naccommodate all of them, forcing some of them to sleep outside.<\/p>\n
Spokesman for the refugees Lorenso told The Jakarta Post on
\nWednesday that he had asked the local administration for help.<\/p>\n
East Timor, the country's 27th province, was engulfed in
\nviolence and destruction after residents rejected a wide-ranging
\nautonomy offer from Jakarta in early September. Its capital Dili
\nwas almost razed through pillaging and arson.<\/p>\n
Many frightened residents fled into neighboring East Nusa
\nTenggara and other provinces. Jakarta and provincial governments
\nhave been overwhelmed by the demands of the refugee situation.<\/p>\n
\"Since we arrived here on Oct. 20, we have lacked supplies,
\ndespite our good fortune in being able to escape the violence in
\nour hometowns,\" Lorenso said. He warned that the imminent rainy
\nseason would worsen their plight.<\/p>\n
An orphanage official, Nureni, said the only aid for the
\nrefugees was provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs. \"The aid
\nis too small to help the refugees. We appeal to other
\ninstitutions and individuals to help the refugees.\" (27\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/refugees-suffer-more-hardships-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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