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HR/99/68
8 July 1999





United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said today she was deeply worried by recent attacks by armed militias on the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) and the negative effects the violence could have on the exercise by the East Timorese of their right to decide their future.

In the latest attack, on 4 July, a convoy of vehicles returning from a humanitarian mission to assist internally displaced persons was attacked by a militia group near the town of Liquica. UNAMET staff in Liquica were evacuated to the East Timor capital of Dili following the assault.

The High Commissioner said the plight of thousands of internally-displaced persons and other vulnerable groups must be addressed urgently so that they can have access to the preparations for the popular consultation set for August. "It is, after all, their right to vote for their own future and that of their children", Mrs. Robinson said.

Noting that there have been no arrests in connection with the recent attacks, Mrs. Robinson called on the Government of Indonesia to take all necessary steps immediately to bring the security situation in East Timor under control. "The violence aims clearly at keeping the East Timorese from exercising their right to determine the status of the territory. The Indonesian authorities must make good on their pledge to investigate the attacks and bring to justice those responsible. The militias must not be allowed to succeed", she said.