UNHCR clarifies on East Timor<\/p>\n
We would like to provide a clarification regarding the article
\nin The Jakarta Post on July 3, 2003, published under the heading
\nEast Timorese refuse to return home. A similar article was also
\npublished in thejakartapost.com under the heading Hundreds refuse
\nto return to East Timor.<\/p>\n
A reading of both articles is likely to lead to a
\nmisunderstanding of UNHCR's mission in Indonesia due to a number
\nof inaccuracies, which I would like to correct.<\/p>\n
The article said, "The demonstrators waved banners, protesting
\nagainst the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
\nand the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) for trying to
\nforce their repatriation with the help of local police." One of
\nUNHCR's functions is to seek durable solutions for refugees
\nthrough voluntary repatriation, local integration or
\nresettlement.<\/p>\n
With regard to the issue of East Timorese children separated
\nfrom their families due to the events of 1999, UNHCR is
\ncooperating with the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to
\nassist in finding a long-term solution for them that is in the
\nbest interests of the children. In order to identify the best
\ninterest of the children, the relevant departments of the
\nIndonesian government discuss the matter with the caretakers of
\nthe children in order to arrive, wherever possible, at a decision
\nthat is mutually agreed between caretakers, parents and the
\nchildren concerned.<\/p>\n
In some cases the decision is for children to return to live
\nwith their biological families in Timor-Leste. In other cases,
\nparents decide to allow children to remain with caretakers --
\noften so that they can complete their education. In the latter,
\nthe most important thing is to reestablish the contact between
\nthe parents and child so that they can exchange news. In this
\nregard, the cooperation of the caretaker is of paramount
\nimportance, to ensure that children receive accurate information
\nabout their family and the situation in Timor-Leste.<\/p>\n
It is therefore incorrect to state that UNHCR was trying to
\n"force" the children to return, as we seek to establish
\ncommunication between all parties to allow an informed and free
\ndecision to be made.<\/p>\n
ROBERT ASHE, Regional Representative, UNHCR, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Note: Thank you for your clarification --Editor<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/unhcr-clarifies-on-east-timor-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }