Security: Humanitarian agencies
have recently reported a rise in the number of security related incidents
in the area surrounding the Atambua refugee camps in West Timor.
The delivery of humanitarian assistance to the camps in West Timor has
been met with growing difficulty over the past week. According to one NGO,
the resentment against the few international agencies involved in food
distribution has risen significantly and TNI escorts are now needed
for the convoys. The main reason advocated remains the distinction
made between the population receiving subsidies from the Indonesian
government (former civil servants, including former TNI members) and those
receiving aid from the UN Agencies and NGOs. The rise in the number
of incidents in recent days has brought the issue on the agenda of the
civil and military authorities of UNTAET, who have collectively agreed
on consultations with the Indonesian authorities based in West Timor.
Returns: In spite of ongoing
tensions in the general area of the refugee camps, the daily average
number of persons returning to East Timor has gradually increased over
the past three weeks. The total number of organised and spontaneous returns
into East Timor from West Timor, other parts of Indonesia, Macau
and Australia now stands at 158,169. On 1 April, the IOM-operated
ship, Patricia Anne Hotung, ferried 404 persons from Kupang to Dili.
In secondary movements, 35 persons were transported by IOM
to Aileu, 7 persons to Lospalos, 4 persons to Manatuto and 28 persons
to Ermera town. Today, 3 April, a total of 164 persons entered East
Timor from the Batugade crossing point, including 14 persons who were originally
from Betun and 21 from Kefamananu. In secondary movements, IOM provided
transport from the Dili transit centre for 46 persons to Manatuto, 30 persons
to Baucau, 12 persons to Metinaro, 5 persons to the outlying area of Dili
and 149 persons to Aileu.
An important recent element of the repatriation process has been the return of refugees to Aileu District, which includes a significant number of former TNI members. As a result of effective coordination between UNHCR, IOM, the UNMOs present in Aileu, PKF and local Timorese counterparts (CNRT and FALINTIL), the return of this caseload has been managed without incident, thus facilitating the smooth reintegration of the refugees and their families. The humanitarian agencies note that a disinformation campaign continues in the West Timorese camps discouraging refugees from returning to East Timor, notably Aileu District.
Agriculture: Three consultants who have begun a territory-wide assessment of the nutritional status in East Timor have reinforced the resident FAO team. Initial finding indicate that the coming harvest, notably the maize crop, will provide an average-to-good production. A simultaneous survey of the fishery sector shows that the production is progressively returning back to last year's pace. Several aquaculture projects are currently under review for donor funding. Nevertheless, at the territory-scale, the lack of equipment for conservation and transport remains a serious concern. Furthermore, there is still a lack of agricultural tools in most districts, which will cause a problem for the harvest season.
Education: UNICEF has entered the final stage of the identification of trainers for primary school teachers. About 30 candidates have been identified so far, who will be trained in Dili and will then provide training at the district and sub-district levels. The main concern in terms of educational support remains the lack of permanent material (textbooks), a need that various agencies are now addressing"