A snapshot of the Consolidated Appeal for East Timor for 2000

How much is required?
Total of US$ 199 million for:

Return & Reintegration: US$ 73 million; Food Aid & Food Security: US$ 33 million; Health: US$ 27.4 million; Water & Sanitation: US$ 8.9 million; Infrastructure & Economic Recovery: US$ 20 million; Education & Community Action: US$ 10 million; Humanitarian Principles: US$ 4.6 million; Coordination & Logistics: US$ 21.2 million

WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?

East Timor recently began its journey to become the latest nation to attain independence. However, following the popular consultation organized by the United Nations on 30 August in which the East-Timorese voted for independence, the territory became the theater of yet another deliberate crackdown on civilians by violent armed elements of militia groups. In two weeks, more than 75% of the total population, estimated at 890,000 prior to the consultation, had been displaced while homes and public infrastructure were destroyed. The arrival on 20 September of the International Force for East Timor and humanitarian agencies, some of the latter having stayed throughout the crisis, brought the massive campaign of terror to an end.
In close consultation with INTERFET, particularly for security reasons, humanitarian agencies have been working around the clock in East Timor to address acute needs, assist efforts by the population to return to normalcy and reestablish essential basic services.

WHAT IS OUR COMMON HUMANITARIAN ACTION PLAN?

To (a) address the emergency and initial reconstruction needs of more than 650,000 displaced persons and returnees; (b) protect and assist displaced populations in West Timor; (c) ensure safe environment for all humanitarian operations; (d) support efforts to develop local capacity for self-sufficiency, economic recovery and national reconciliation.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CONSTRAINTS WE FACE?

Limited access: due to harassment and attacks on civilians and relief workers by militia elements in West Timor.
Destruction of basic infrastructure and shelter: severely hindering the delivery of essential services and the reintegration of returning populations.

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

Assist East-Timorese with the immediate reconstruction of basic shelter in light of the coming raining season.
Reestablish access to basic services including health care, immunization, safe water, adequate sanitation facilities and education.
Promote self-sufficiency in food production through the distribution of seeds and tools in addition to food aid.
Address the survival needs of displaced persons that still remain in the hills due to security concerns.
Address the basic needs of and protect displaced persons. In addition, assist those willing to return to reintegrate into their communities.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DO NOT GET THE RESOURCES?

Critical needs of displaced and returning populations would not be met in the advent of one of the most vulnerable periods - the rainy season.
Efforts to reestablish safe water sources, mobile or fixed health facilities, and adequate sanitation conditions and prevent the spread of communicable diseases will be severely restricted and probably halted.
Measures taken to prevent the deterioration of humanitarian conditions of the populations at-risk would be lost with obvious consequences.
Several hundred thousand people still in the hills would be deprived of access to life-saving activities.

Please find more information on the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals for 2000 at http://www.reliefweb.int/appeals