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Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste Civil Unrest OCHA Situation Report No. 4


Timor-Leste Civil Unrest
OCHA Situation Report No. 4
13 August 2007



Summary Analysis

- 323 houses have been reported burnt so far and 53 damaged in Viqueque and Baucau districts.

- At least 4,000 persons are reportedly displaced at the moment in Viqueque and Baucau districts.

- Relief items from the Government of Timor-Leste are currently being delivered in the area.

SITUATION

1. Civil unrest has been occurring in connection with the announcement of the new government on the 6th of August 2007 following the 30th of June parliamentary elections.

2. Viqueque and Baucau districts are most affected, while some incidents have also occurred in Dili, Manufahi, and Oecussi districts. The overall security situation in Timor-Leste during the last 24 hours has remained tense, particularly in Viqueque and Baucau districts, although there were no reports of major security incidents. United Nations Police Officers (UNPol) in conjunction with the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) remain fully deployed.

3. In Viqueque, around 270 houses have been burnt by violent groups since 6 August. Several villages have been severly damaged in Watulari sub-district, while villages around Viqueque town have also been affected. The functioning of public transport and schools has been disrupted and food, water and medical supplies are becoming short on the market. Road travel within and between the districts of Baucau and Viqueque remains restricted at the moment due to security concerns especially after the ambush on a UN convoy on 10 August.

4. In Baucau district, 53 houses have been destroyed this week in Venilale and Quelicai subdistricts. On 6 and 7 August, government, church, UN, and NGO facilities in Baucau district had been burnt or attacked. The functioning of schools, public transport, and markets have been disrupted. On 10 August, an orphanage in Baguia was reportedly attacked, a girl raped, and the orphanage and a primary school building damaged. A 16-year-old boy was arrested. 34 arrests have been made during the last two days for public disturbances, arson, illegal road blocking, and possession of illegal weapons.

HUMANITARIAN CONSEQUENCES

5. At least 4,000 persons are reportedly displaced at the moment in Viqueque and Baucau districts. The displaced persons stay in the mountains around the affected areas, and in convents, schools and compounds that are considered safe. 323 houses have been reported burnt so far and 52 damaged in Viqueque and Baucau districts.

6. Schools and shops are closed, public transport is disrupted. Health services are functioning normally. Access to the facilities is believed to be hampered by security concerns.

7. Today, the Government of Timor-Leste sent a convoy of 15 trucks carrying Government food and non-food relief items to Baucau and Viqueque districts. The humanitarian assistance will be delivered to Watulari sub-district,Viqueque and Uatocarabau town in Viqueque district, and to Venilale in Baucau district. The convoy is escorted by 30 soldiers of the national army F-FDTL. 34 civil servants of the Ministry of Social Solidarity are accompanying the convoy and will further assess the humanitarian needs.

8. The Government is planning to brief the international humanitarian community on Thursday, 16 August, regarding the distribution of relief items and assessment. At the same time, the Government will consider a potential request for international assistance to its relief effort.

9. On 12 August, 4.7mt of rice, as well as noodles, and cooking sets from the Government of Timor-Leste were delivered by United Nations helicopter to Viqueque town and Uatucarbau for internally displaced persons gathering there.

10. OCHA is in close contact with the national and international humanitarian aid organizations, the Government, the UN Country Team and UNMIT in Dili and will revert with further information as it becomes available. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

For detailed information please contact:

OCHA Timor-Leste

Philippe Schneider
Mobile: +670 7311786
e-mail: philippe schneider/srsg/unmit@unmit

Florentina Debling
Mobile : +670 7321473
e-mail: humanitarian.ocha@undp.org

Desk Officers:

(NY) Ms. Kirsten Gelsdorf
Tel. +1-917 367 2174
e-mail: gelsdorf@un.org

(GVA) Mr. Jean Verheyden
Tel: +41 22 917 1381

Press contact:

(NY) Ms. Stephanie Bunker
Tel. +1-917 367 5126

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Tel. +41-22-917 2653

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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