Solution for East Timorese refugees<\/p>\n
Indonesia has decided to halt aid to refugees from East Timor
\nstarting on March 31, 2000. The decision has been protested by
\nthe UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR).<\/p>\n
So far the United Nations has accused Indonesia and the
\n\"militias supported by the Indonesian military (TNI)\" of
\nintentionally slowing down the repatriation of these refugees.<\/p>\n
The main reason East Timorese refugees in camps in the western
\nhalf of Timor island are hesitant to return to East Timor, is
\nbecause they hear from relatives and friends who are in East
\nTimor that life there is difficult. Food is expensive and
\nemployment is scarce. Those who have returned to East Timor are
\ndisappointed that the prosperity promised by their leaders before
\nthe referendum has not arrived. The result is that some 10,000
\nEast Timorese have been returned silently by UNHCR to Indonesian
\nterritory.<\/p>\n
The East Timor refugees who are in Indonesian territory are
\nEast Timor citizens who need to attention and aid from their
\nleaders and the United Nations.<\/p>\n
I propose the UNHCR gives financial aid of US$1,000 to each
\nrefugee who wants to return to East Timor and $500 to each
\nrefugee wishing to settle in Indonesia. The money is needed by
\nthe East Timorese who want to return to their homeland to cover
\nliving expenses before they can find work and earn an income.
\nFarmers can use the money while waiting for the harvest.<\/p>\n
Refugees wishing to settle in Indonesia can use the money to
\nprepare for being transmigrated to other regions.<\/p>\n
The funds required for this purpose would not exceed $100
\nmillion. I have heard that the UN\/UNHCR has earmarked $3,000 for
\neach refugee in Kosovo.<\/p>\n
SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/solution-for-east-timorese-refugees-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }