IOM, UNHCR help refugees' return

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are working together to assist East Timorese wanting to return to East Timor.

Olandina Caeiro from the Advocate and Reconciliation Commission said on Tuesday that IOM and UNHCR would provide transportation for all East Timorese wishing to return.

He called on East Timorese in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to start registering with a local refugee task force if they wanted to go back to East Timor.

IOM and UNHCR would also cooperate with the governments of Indonesia and East Timor to ensure the safety of refugees on their way back home.

At least 250,000 East Timorese were forced into West Timor in 1999 after violence erupted when they voted overwhelmingly for independence. Dozens of military and police officers have been formally charged in Jakarta and Dili as perpetrators in the violence and forced expulsion.

Some 30,000 East Timorese are believed to be still in West Timor. Their refugee status ended on Dec. 31, 2002. --Antara