RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN TIMOR-LESTE

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