§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that all human rights abuses in East Timor are rigorously pursued. [HL188]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe fully support international efforts to establish the facts surrounding allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses in East Timor. We co-sponsored the resolution adopted on 27 September at the Special Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights calling for an international commission of inquiry (ICI). The five Commissioners appointed by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights have been in East Timor to gather information and are due to report to the UN Secretary General and Security Council by 31 December. We have offered practical assistance to the ICI, as well as to the investigation launched by the independent Indonesian National Human Rights Commission.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that international response to the short and long-term humanitarian, economic and social needs of East Timor is generously adequate and effective. [HL186]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government are working with the World Bank, the UN and others to secure adequate funding and a simplified, international approach. This is designed also to strengthen the capacity of the East Timorese to run their country during the transition to independence. Meanwhile the Government are working with the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor to ensure that British humanitarian assistance is targeted effectively.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that all displaced survivors of the events following the referendum in East Timor are enabled to return home. [HL187]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government continue I o press the Indonesian Government bilaterally and multilaterally to assist the efforts of international humanitarian organisations in the return process. The Department for International Development has also provided substantial funding to the International Organisation for Migration and UNHCR to assist the repatriation of refugees.