Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09DILI36
2009-02-11 10:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dili
Cable title:  

RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN TIMOR-LESTE

Tags:  EAID TT 
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R 111042Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4222
INFO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 
AMEMBASSY DILI
UNCLAS DILI 000036 


AIDAC

USAID FOR OFDA - R. THAYER, A. CONVERY, AND P. MORRIS
BANGKOK FOR RDMA - A. DWYER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID TT
SUBJECT: RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN TIMOR-LESTE

Summary
------------

UNCLAS DILI 000036


AIDAC

USAID FOR OFDA - R. THAYER, A. CONVERY, AND P. MORRIS
BANGKOK FOR RDMA - A. DWYER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID TT
SUBJECT: RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN TIMOR-LESTE

Summary
--------------


1. Increasing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDP) are
returning to their areas of origin in Timor-Leste. Returns are
facilitated by improvements in security, the distribution of a
monetary relocation package to the affected and a commitment by
national government to resolve resettlement issues. Problems
with land tenure, illegal occupation of homes, and a lack of
basic services and livelihoods remain obstacles to a complete
reintegration. USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
(OFDA) support to return activities through international
partners has successfully contributed to the reintegration of
the displaced, and the Office will continue to monitor the
situation.


Background
--------------


2. An OFDA Disaster Operations Specialist visited Timor-Leste
January 24- February 1 to assess OFDA-supported programs and the
status of the displacement. The Specialist, in coordination
with USAID Timor-Leste, met with NGOs, the U.N., and Government
of Timor Leste (GOTL) offices in the capital Dili and at several
field locations.


3. Ethnic and political violence in 2006 resulted in the
displacement of an estimated 150,000 people throughout
Timor-Leste. USAID / OFDA has programmed $1,220,203 to Catholic
Relief Services, Norwegian Refugee Council, and UNICEF for
coordination, shelter and WASH (water and sanitation) activities
to support return and reintegration activities in FY 2008.
Current awards will expire during the summer of 2009.

Current Status and Issues Inhibiting Return
-------------- --------------


4. Partner Catholic Relief Services reports that approximately
12,000 of the roughly half of those originally displaced to
camps near the capital city of Dili remain. The GOTL is
aggressively distributing return packages valued at up to $4,500
to registered families affected by violence. The cash award
allows for the purchase of reconstruction materials and
household items necessary to recapitalize the returning
families. Although the GOTL reports the program has been
largely successful, several reports emerged from USAID/ OFDA
partners of resettlement monies misused and the recipients
simply relocating to other displaced camps.


5. Additional issues that emerged affecting successful IDP
return and reintegration included the illegal occupation of
homes in the origin areas, continued animosity between Timorese
from the east and western regions and unclear delineation of
land and property rights in the return areas. Several of the
displaced also cited the lack of basic services and livelihood
opportunities as a reason to remain in camps. Security
concerns, largely attributed to remaining resentment in several
origin locations, still affect the reintegration process.

Conclusions
--------------


6. Although the trend of return of the displaced to their
origin areas is accelerating, land tenure, property rights
issues and the lack of livelihood opportunities continue to
inhibit the complete resettlement / return of those affected by
the violence.


7. USAID/ OFDA-supported interventions continue to improve
access to shelter, water and sanitation in the origin areas.
Humanitarian indicators in the displaced populations are stable
and the emergency has abated. USAID / OFDA will continue to work

close with the USAID Mission in Timor-Leste and monitor the
return / resettlement process.


KLEMM