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UNHCR suspends operations in West Timor camps
23 August -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today suspended aid operations for East Timorese refugees in Indonesia's West Timor province after three workers were severely injured in the worst attack so far against the agency's staff.

Soren Jessen-Petersen, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner, strongly condemned Tuesday's assault by pro-Indonesian militias on the UNHCR workers while the three were distributing plastic sheeting for refugees at Naen camp outside Kefamenanu town, east of the provincial capital, Kupang.

"It is regrettable that the militias are allowed to operate with impunity and make a mockery of statements by responsible officials in Jakarta guaranteeing security for aid workers and refugees," Mr. Jessen-Petersen said.

The staff were beaten by militiamen armed with machetes, clubs and stones and one had his head held under water in a rice paddy until he choked, UNHCR said. All three suffered suffered severe injuries to the head and body, requiring hospital treatment.

Indonesian army officials in the area were called for help but failed to respond immediately to the incident -- the worst of more than 100 recorded cases of harassment and intimidation against aid workers and refugees.

A senior UNHCR official is proceeding to Kupang to conduct an investigation into the incident with Indonesian authorities. In the meantime, UNHCR's assistance activities in the camps will remain suspended.

In a related development, a high-level delegation from Indonesia's Department of Foreign Affairs today informed the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) that Indonesia planned to close down the refugee camps in West Timor within three to six months.

According to the UN mission, UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello welcomed the initiative to expedite the repatriation of the East Timorese refugees, but stressed the need for greater security for both the refugees and the international staff in the camps. He also said it was of "great importance" that members of the militia and criminal elements were separated from the remaining refugee population, UNTAET said.