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08 September 2000
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HR/00/63
8 September 2000
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES SHOCK AT KILLING OF UNHCR STAFF IN WEST TIMOR AND CALLS FOR INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AID WORKERS
Following is a statement issued today by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson:
“I have read the terrible account of the killing of our colleagues from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reportedly by elements controlled by the Indonesian militia in Kukang, West Timor, Indonesia.
On behalf of my colleagues of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, I would like to express my shock, sadness, and sympathy with the families of the victims and our solidarity with the colleagues from UNHCR.
This renewed attack against the staff of international organizations shows again the urgent need to dismantle the militias which have continued to terrorise and attack East Timorese refugees in the border and other camps in the past year, as well as intimidate and attack the personnel of international aid agencies; and to arrest and bring to justice those responsible for those crimes and the atrocities committed in the past year. It also shows the urgent need for the Government of Indonesia, including the army, to uphold in words and deeds its commitment to protect and ensure the security of international organizations and their personnel and activities against acts of violence.
I am deeply concerned for the safety of the local personnel of the international organizations working in West Timor who may be exposed to acts of violence similar to those of 6 September in retaliation for their work with those organizations. I understand that they have not been evacuated. I am calling on the Indonesian authorities in Jakarta and West Timor to take promptly all the necessary measures to ensure that all those who have been working with international organizations are given full protection against the risk of retaliation by militia elements.
The personnel of the United Nations and that of other organizations, international and local, must be effectively protected and thus be able to continue their much needed assistance without fear of retaliation or attack.”
8 September 2000
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES SHOCK AT KILLING OF UNHCR STAFF IN WEST TIMOR AND CALLS FOR INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AID WORKERS
Following is a statement issued today by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson:
“I have read the terrible account of the killing of our colleagues from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reportedly by elements controlled by the Indonesian militia in Kukang, West Timor, Indonesia.
On behalf of my colleagues of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, I would like to express my shock, sadness, and sympathy with the families of the victims and our solidarity with the colleagues from UNHCR.
This renewed attack against the staff of international organizations shows again the urgent need to dismantle the militias which have continued to terrorise and attack East Timorese refugees in the border and other camps in the past year, as well as intimidate and attack the personnel of international aid agencies; and to arrest and bring to justice those responsible for those crimes and the atrocities committed in the past year. It also shows the urgent need for the Government of Indonesia, including the army, to uphold in words and deeds its commitment to protect and ensure the security of international organizations and their personnel and activities against acts of violence.
I am deeply concerned for the safety of the local personnel of the international organizations working in West Timor who may be exposed to acts of violence similar to those of 6 September in retaliation for their work with those organizations. I understand that they have not been evacuated. I am calling on the Indonesian authorities in Jakarta and West Timor to take promptly all the necessary measures to ensure that all those who have been working with international organizations are given full protection against the risk of retaliation by militia elements.
The personnel of the United Nations and that of other organizations, international and local, must be effectively protected and thus be able to continue their much needed assistance without fear of retaliation or attack.”