Help AUSTCARE in its ongoing peacebuilding
efforts in East Timor
Violence continues in Dili following
days of fighting involving military, police and armed gangs. The violence
began in April following demonstrations by former soldiers from the west
of the country claiming unfair dismissal. Demonstrations turned to riots
when shots were fired into the crowd and buildings and cars were attacked.
Thousands of people fled Dili fearing for their lives and have not yet
been able to return.
Following this earlier incident, the situation remained tense and uncertain throughout the country. On 23 May, the fighting that began outside Dili quickly spread to the capital resulting in chaos, bloodshed and widespread displacement.
On 24 May, the East Timorese Government requested international assistance and the people of Dili welcomed the arrival of Australian troops on Friday. While heavy fighting has eased, there remains widespread fear amongst the civilian population and communal outbreaks of violence continue around the city.
Latest reports are that there are up to 100,000 people displaced within Dili, many living in makeshift camps or seeking shelter in churches or other places where they feel more safe. Many of the displaced are women and children.
The situation has become a humanitarian crisis, with immediate needs including shelter, medical assistance, food and water. This latest violence has traumatised the civilian population. The latest violence highlights the need for supporting peacebuilding initiatives at the grassroots level, such as those which AUSTCARE has been implementing successfully in the western border districts of East Timor.
AUSTCARE In East Timor
Since 1981, AUSTCARE has been delivering humanitarian and development projects in East Timor to help reduce poverty and strengthen civil society. Following the devastation of 1999, AUSTCARE expanded its program. When East Timor became independent in May 2002 and many international non-government organisations departed, AUSTCARE increased its commitment to working in East Timor. Today our program focuses on agricultural development and peacebuilding for poor and vulnerable communities in the western border districts of the country.
AUSTCARE continues to operate on the ground with reduced staff due to the current situation. Major General Michael Smith AO (Retd), AUSTCARE Chief Executive Officer, has been on the ground since before the latest violence erupted, supporting our team and operations.
"The need for security goes hand in hand with development, and East Timor remains the poorest nation in our region." says Michael Smith. "The current situation is a tragic reminder to the international community that building peace and ending poverty require a sustained and long term commitment."
The needs of those displaced by the latest violence are both immediate and likely to be ongoing. AUSTCARE staff are participating in coordinated non-government organisation efforts in Dili to assess both immediate and longer term needs in those areas which are accessible.
Funds raised in the AUSTCARE East Timor Appeal will go towards assisting those affected by the current crisis as well as our ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and poverty reduction in East Timor.
Any excess funds raised from this appeal will go to other AUSTCARE programs in the Asia Pacific region.