STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION CONCERNING THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN EAST TIMOR

"The Commission on Human Rights discussed the human rights situation in East Timor.

The Commission continues to follow with deep concern the reports on violations of human rights in East Timor.

The Commission recalls the undertakings by the Government of Indonesia to promote human rights in East Timor and those contained in Chairman's Statements on the matter at previous sessions. The Commission stresses the need for their implementation, including concrete steps on the early trial and release of East Timorese detained or convicted, and for those in custody to be treated humanely. The Commission reiterates the need for further clarification of the circumstances surrounding the Dili incident of 1991.

The Commission welcomes the advanced progress towards concluding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Indonesia and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on technical cooperation and agreement on the early assignment of a programme officer to implement the technical cooperation programme. In this regard, the Commission notes the understanding between the Government of
Indonesia and the High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning access of the programme officer to East Timor, within the framework of technical cooperation.

The Commission welcomes the efforts of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights to promote and protect human rights and undertake fact-finding inquiries into human rights violations, including through its office in Dili. The Commission notes the commitment by the Government of Indonesia to continue to allow greater access to East Timor by the international media and international humanitarian organizations.

The Commission welcomes the intention of the Government of Indonesia to continue to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights and its mechanisms, and, in particular, the Government's decision to invite the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to visit East Timor in advance of the fifty-fifth session of the Commission.

The Commission notes with interest the Government of Indonesia's decision to launch a National Plan of Action on human rights in 1998 and, in that context, the Government's intention to ratify the Convention against Torture.

The Commission welcomes the dialogue under the auspices of the Secretary-General for achieving a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the question of East Timor. In this context, the Commission stresses the need for constructive actions in order to promote a favourable atmosphere for further progress towards a solution. The Commission welcomes the report of the Secretary-General, the work of his special representative, in particular the establishment of regular dialogue at senior official level, and the continuing all-inclusive intra-East Timorese dialogue.

The Commission requests the Secretary-General to keep it informed on the situation of human rights in East Timor and will consider the matter at its fifty-fifth session."