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Statement by
New York, 15 November 2002 Mr. Chairman, At the outset let me thank the High Commissioner for their timely reports on this important subject. Mr. Chairman, The Government of Indonesia would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ruud Lubbers, the UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR), for his invaluable leadership, his office, and his staff, and all of those who, in partnership with the Government of Indonesia, have worked very hard to repatriate refugees from West Timor province back to Timor Leste, after the turmoil surrounding the Popular Consultation held in August 1999. These efforts have led to the repatriation of two hundred and twenty thousand refugees, and efforts are underway to resettle those East Timorese who have chosen not to return to Timor Leste. In fact, progress has been such that the refugee problem has largely been solved and humanitarian relief efforts are winding down, while resettlement and reintegration efforts are being stepped up. Prompt action has resulted in the refugee issue being largely settled in only about three years, thus allowing Indonesia, and the new nation of Timor Leste, to avoid the politically and socially destabilizing problems, which have frequently accompanied longstanding refugee situations in other parts of the world. While international support for the ongoing efforts in West Timor province is still required to complete the final stages of operations there, once again I reiterate my thanks to the High Commissioner and all the others who have assisted the Government of Indonesia in tackling this serious problem, and look forward to enjoying such harmonious cooperation in the future, should the need arise. The transition from relief to development is frequently not a smooth one. Frequently when a crisis has ended, so does any assistance to the affected region. The Government of Indonesia hopes that this will not be the case in West Timor province. While the crisis stage may be over, the assistance of UNHCR and the international community is still needed for the integration of refugees into society, and for the transition to development. The Government of Indonesia reaffirms its position that “Humanitarian assistance must be provided in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality”, and that humanitarian assistance should be delivered with the consent of the affected country, and with respect for the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the national unity of States. The affected state should play the primary role in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts. The role of UNHCR is to provide support when it is requested by the affected state. The success story in dealing with the refugee problem in West Timor province is an example of effective cooperation between a host country and international agencies, especially UNHCR. The Government of Indonesia acknowledges that the success achieved in dealing with the refugee problem in West Timor province could not have been achieved without assistance from the outside, both technical and financial. That is why the Government of Indonesia views with great concern the dire financial straits of UNHCR, and would like to see an effective long run solution to the problem of UNHCR finances, one that will assure a steady stream of adequate finance for existing programs, and the flexibility to deal with emergencies as they arise. More must be done to assure adequate resources for humanitarian assistance, including for UNHCR, but this should not be done by diverting existing resources from other goals, such as Sustainable Development, and at the same time a way should be found to smooth the transition from relief and rehabilitation to Sustainable Development. Meanwhile, Indonesia hopes that all member states will join together in an attempt to build “Hope for the Future”, by giving their fullest support to the Consolidated Appeals for humanitarian efforts for the year 2003. The appeal is set to be launched next week around the globe and has a target of raising three billion dollars. The funds raised will be used to support worldwide humanitarian efforts including the work of UNHCR, in West Timor province, and throughout the world. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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