Solution for East Timorese refugees

Solution for East Timorese refugees

Indonesia has decided to halt aid to refugees from East Timor
starting on March 31, 2000. The decision has been protested by
the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR).

So far the United Nations has accused Indonesia and the
"militias supported by the Indonesian military (TNI)" of
intentionally slowing down the repatriation of these refugees.

The main reason East Timorese refugees in camps in the western
half of Timor island are hesitant to return to East Timor, is
because they hear from relatives and friends who are in East
Timor that life there is difficult. Food is expensive and
employment is scarce. Those who have returned to East Timor are
disappointed that the prosperity promised by their leaders before
the referendum has not arrived. The result is that some 10,000
East Timorese have been returned silently by UNHCR to Indonesian
territory.

The East Timor refugees who are in Indonesian territory are
East Timor citizens who need to attention and aid from their
leaders and the United Nations.

I propose the UNHCR gives financial aid of US$1,000 to each
refugee who wants to return to East Timor and $500 to each
refugee wishing to settle in Indonesia. The money is needed by
the East Timorese who want to return to their homeland to cover
living expenses before they can find work and earn an income.
Farmers can use the money while waiting for the harvest.

Refugees wishing to settle in Indonesia can use the money to
prepare for being transmigrated to other regions.

The funds required for this purpose would not exceed $100
million. I have heard that the UN/UNHCR has earmarked $3,000 for
each refugee in Kosovo.

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO

Jakarta