OCHA Situation Report No. 4
Timor-Leste Civil Unrest
13 August 2007


Summary Analysis

- 323 houses have been reported burnt so far and 53 damaged in Viqueque 
and Baucau districts.

- At least 4,000 persons are reportedly displaced at the moment in 
Viqueque and Baucau districts.

- Relief items from the Government of Timor-Leste are currently being 
delivered in the area.

SITUATION

1. Civil unrest has been occurring in connection with the announcement 
of the new government on the 6th of August 2007 following the 30th of 
June parliamentary elections.

2. Viqueque and Baucau districts are most affected, while some incidents 
have also occurred in Dili, Manufahi, and Oecussi districts. The overall 
security situation in Timor-Leste during the last 24 hours has remained 
tense, particularly in Viqueque and Baucau districts, although there 
were no reports of major security incidents. United Nations Police 
Officers (UNPol) in conjunction with the national police of Timor-Leste 
(PNTL) and the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) remain fully 
deployed.

3. In Viqueque, around 270 houses have been burnt by violent groups 
since 6 August. Several villages have been severly damaged in Watulari 
sub-district, while villages around Viqueque town have also been 
affected. The functioning of public transport and schools has been 
disrupted and food, water and medical supplies are becoming short on the 
market. Road travel within and between the districts of Baucau and 
Viqueque remains restricted at the moment due to security concerns 
especially after the ambush on a UN convoy on 10 August.

4. In Baucau district, 53 houses have been destroyed this week in 
Venilale and Quelicai subdistricts. On 6 and 7 August, government, 
church, UN, and NGO facilities in Baucau district had been burnt or 
attacked. The functioning of schools, public transport, and markets have 
been disrupted. On 10 August, an orphanage in Baguia was reportedly 
attacked, a girl raped, and the orphanage and a primary school building 
damaged. A 16-year-old boy was arrested. 34 arrests have been made 
during the last two days for public disturbances, arson, illegal road 
blocking, and possession of illegal weapons.

HUMANITARIAN CONSEQUENCES

5. At least 4,000 persons are reportedly displaced at the moment in 
Viqueque and Baucau districts. The displaced persons stay in the 
mountains around the affected areas, and in convents, schools and 
compounds that are considered safe. 323 houses have been reported burnt 
so far and 52 damaged in Viqueque and Baucau districts.

6. Schools and shops are closed, public transport is disrupted. Health 
services are functioning normally. Access to the facilities is believed 
to be hampered by security concerns.

7. Today, the Government of Timor-Leste sent a convoy of 15 trucks 
carrying Government food and non-food relief items to Baucau and 
Viqueque districts. The humanitarian assistance will be delivered to 
Watulari sub-district,Viqueque and Uatocarabau town in Viqueque 
district, and to Venilale in Baucau district. The convoy is escorted by 
30 soldiers of the national army F-FDTL. 34 civil servants of the 
Ministry of Social Solidarity are accompanying the convoy and will 
further assess the humanitarian needs.

8. The Government is planning to brief the international humanitarian 
community on Thursday, 16 August, regarding the distribution of relief 
items and assessment. At the same time, the Government will consider a 
potential request for international assistance to its relief effort.

9. On 12 August, 4.7mt of rice, as well as noodles, and cooking sets 
from the Government of Timor-Leste were delivered by United Nations 
helicopter to Viqueque town and Uatucarbau for internally displaced 
persons gathering there.

10. OCHA is in close contact with the national and international 
humanitarian aid organizations, the Government, the UN Country Team and 
UNMIT in Dili and will revert with further information as it becomes 
available. This situation report, together with further information on 
ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at 
http://www.reliefweb.int.

For detailed information please contact:

OCHA Timor-Leste

Philippe Schneider
Mobile: +670 7311786
e-mail: philippe schneider/srsg/unmit@unmit

Florentina Debling
Mobile : +670 7321473
e-mail: humanitarian.ocha@undp.org

Desk Officers:
(NYC) Ms. Kirsten Gelsdorf
Tel. +1-917 367 2174
e-mail: gelsdorf@un.org

(GVA) Mr. Jean Verheyden
Tel: +41 22 917 1381

Press contact:
(NYC) Ms. Stephanie Bunker
Tel. +1-917 367 5126

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Tel. +41-22-917 2653

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