UNHCR clarifies on East Timor

UNHCR clarifies on East Timor

We would like to provide a clarification regarding the article
in The Jakarta Post on July 3, 2003, published under the heading
East Timorese refuse to return home. A similar article was also
published in thejakartapost.com under the heading Hundreds refuse
to return to East Timor.

A reading of both articles is likely to lead to a
misunderstanding of UNHCR's mission in Indonesia due to a number
of inaccuracies, which I would like to correct.

The article said, "The demonstrators waved banners, protesting
against the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) for trying to
force their repatriation with the help of local police." One of
UNHCR's functions is to seek durable solutions for refugees
through voluntary repatriation, local integration or
resettlement.

With regard to the issue of East Timorese children separated
from their families due to the events of 1999, UNHCR is
cooperating with the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to
assist in finding a long-term solution for them that is in the
best interests of the children. In order to identify the best
interest of the children, the relevant departments of the
Indonesian government discuss the matter with the caretakers of
the children in order to arrive, wherever possible, at a decision
that is mutually agreed between caretakers, parents and the
children concerned.

In some cases the decision is for children to return to live
with their biological families in Timor-Leste. In other cases,
parents decide to allow children to remain with caretakers --
often so that they can complete their education. In the latter,
the most important thing is to reestablish the contact between
the parents and child so that they can exchange news. In this
regard, the cooperation of the caretaker is of paramount
importance, to ensure that children receive accurate information
about their family and the situation in Timor-Leste.

It is therefore incorrect to state that UNHCR was trying to
"force" the children to return, as we seek to establish
communication between all parties to allow an informed and free
decision to be made.

ROBERT ASHE, Regional Representative, UNHCR, Jakarta

Note: Thank you for your clarification --Editor