ReliefWeb

Returns: The total number of organised and spontaneous returns into East Timor from West Timor, other parts of Indonesia, Macau and Australia now stands at over 156,570 persons. On 28 March, a total of 156 persons returned from Atambua to Batugade on IOM chartered trucks. Another 175 persons returned from Betun through the Salele border crossing to East Timor. Secondary movements on 28 March were provided by IOM for 113 persons from the Dili Transit Centre to Hatolia, for 129 persons to Maubisse, 3 persons to Same, 16 persons to Liquica and 143 persons to the Dili area. On 29 March 442 persons returned to Dili from Kupang aboard the IOM-operated ship, the Patricia Anne Hotung. A total of 322 persons returned from Atambua to Batugade. Secondary movements were provided for 8 persons from Dili to Atsabe and for 2 persons to the Dili area. Further secondary movements were expected to be provided by IOM from Suai to Ainaro for 104 persons and for 8 persons from Suai to Cassa.
Funding: The operationalisation of funds for humanitarian programmes in East Timor continues to limit the ability of some organisations to commit to interventions beyond 30 June 2000 across all sectors. While more than USD 110 million has been pledged or committed through the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP), it appears that some of these funds have not yet reached the hands of implementing agencies. The CAP review process now underway aspires to identify the activities that have not been completed, the funds that have been expected and the priorities for each sector of humanitarian intervention for the immediate future. With the participation of national and international NGOs, UN agencies, UNTAET and donors, it is hoped that a clear understanding of needs will be established.

Tracing: In November 1999, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) initiated a cross-border tracing and family reunification programme, which was developed as a result of the initial programme "Active Assessment of Tracing and Protection Needs of Unaccompanied Children from East Timor." The programme's goal is to provide activities to support the reintegration of the displaced population of separated East Timorese children in West Timor and other parts of Indonesia. Working in close collaboration with UNHCR, ICRC and CFSI, IRC provides active tracing of separated children and promotes family reunification; develops and implements an effective cross-border communication system (message service); raises awareness of children's needs and protection with families, caretakers, communities and camp coordinators; and provides and disseminates tracing literature regarding IRC's tracing and messenger methodologies. Since mid-February 2000, IRC has assisted in the reunification of 26 children. Some 19 of these children were reunited with their families, due to the effective messenger service; seven children were physically reunited with their parents, five of whom were personally escorted by an IRC staff member. In mid-March, after close collaboration with UNHCR and IOM, an 8 year old boy was identified in West Timor and returned to his home in East Timor within 72 hours.

Employment: There are currently more than 1,350 East Timorese, mostly youths, employed under the USAID-funded Temporary Employment Programme (TEP). In Ermera some 681 persons are employed in various labour-intensive clean-up works involving the cleaning of storm drains and public buildings. It is expected that by the end of April, some 2000 persons in all five subdistricts in Ermera (Ermera, Hatolia, Atsabe, Railoko, and Letefoho) will be employed in community employment activities. In Liquica, more than 500 workers have started clean-up activities in the 23 villages of Liquica District. Over the past two weeks, roads, neighbourhoods, storm drain systems and sports facilities have been cleaned up.

Health: The health NGO Medicos Do Mundo (Portugal), as agreed by the Interim Health Authority, will run weekly mobile clinics for the Falintil and their relatives at their cantonment area in Aileu. This project will be implemented over a four-month period from April to August 2000. The medical team comprises one expatriate medical doctor, one expatriate nurse and two national nurses. The target group is the Falantil population and their relatives, covering approximately 1,700 persons. Surrounding village populations will also benefit from this intervention, therefore considerably raising the total number of potential beneficiaries.

In Liquica District, MSF have opened two new clinics at Ebenu and Leorema. There are now a total of seven permanent clinics in Liquica District. The mobile clinic continues to run to various other villages on a weekly schedule while the nurses in the permanent clinics have also been undertaking mobile clinics.

Infrastructure: In Liquica District a survey to assess the overall condition of water systems as well as the management of water and sewerage systems and immediate and longer term needs of communities with regards to tools, pipes, pumps etc. across the District is being undertaken by the Timorese District Water Coordinator. OXFAM continues to work with the Timorese water coordinator and teams of water workers on the rehabilitation of main water systems in the coastal towns.