General: Although economic activity
in Dili is increasing, widespread unemployment continues to jeopardise
full recovery. Personal savings are dwindling, raising the possibility
that impoverished populations may need shortly to divest their remaining
assets. Humanitarian agencies report that real hardship exists in
the main urban centres, including Dili and Baucau. The recent rice distribution
in Dili indicates that the capital's population is nearly 140,000. A significant
percentage is non-Dili residents yet to return to their original homes
in the countryside. With limited housing, overcrowding is negatively
affecting public health, particularly in poorer neighbourhoods. Agencies
are presently addressing humanitarian needs
through general distributions and are actively developing programmes that
will directly target vulnerable populations. Jose
Ramos Horta returned to East Timor today after over 24 years in exile.
After addressing the welcoming crowd, Mr. Horta travelled to Aileu
to meet with leaders of the CNRT.
Returns: One flight occurred
today from Kupang to Dili carrying 75 returnees. At Batugade, 322
returnees crossed including 268 persons on IOM-chartered trucks and
54 persons in private vehicles. Forty returnees travelled from Batugade
to Maliana and 282 moved onwards to Dili. At Suai, 179 returnees
crossed in 22 trucks. Approximately 1, 100 people have entered Fatumean
in organised movements since the crossing opened two days ago. In
Oekussi, 64 persons
crossed at Bobameto and three convoys at Citrana. Secondary movements included
approximately 650 persons who travelled on the Jervis Bay to Los Palos
and Viqueque. The overall number of repatriations to date is 110,506
returnees of whom 14, 749 returned on organised air movements, 27,326
on organised land crossings and 27,142 on organised sea transport.
Spontaneous movements to date number 41,289.
Suai and Manatuto: The number of persons crossing from the Salele border point has dropped during the past few days. Agencies on the ground attribute the decrease in crossings to a negative information campaign in West Timor. UNHCR is investigating the situation and will take appropriate steps to ensure that the repatriation programme continues in a safe and effective manner.
As part of a collaborative initiative to upgrade the water system, agencies and INTERFET are working with local groups in Manatuto to repair the city's irrigation dam. CARE is continuing to pre-position rice for a general distribution tomorrow at Fatumakert and Sanien. Food-for-work programmes will be used to help support teachers in Manatuto. In addition, UNICEF will provide financial support to primary teachers.
Batugade and Balibo: Representatives of the Integrated Operations Cell (IOC) visited Batugade to review arrangements for the reception of returnees through Motain. Indonesian authorities confirmed that up to 1,500 persons could be processed per day at the checkpoint if required. INTERFET screening procedures will be made uniform at all major crossing points including at Suai. Reception facilities, including latrines, shading and water points, have been upgraded, facilitating the onward travel of returnees. The mission noted a marked increase in the number of returnees to coastal villages including Migir, where supplies are pre-positioned and Atabe where agencies will be conducting a health assessment in coming days.
In a meeting today in Balibo with OCHA representatives, CNRT officials confirmed that steps would be taken to prevent harassment of drivers transporting returnees in West Timor-plated vehicles. The matter was also discussed with Indonesian authorities at the Motain checkpoint.
World Aids Day: A ceremony for the World Aids Day was organized by UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and MSF. Information brochures were passed out at the market and other locations by international agencies.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.