As the conflict and humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in East Timor, emergency food supplies are being distributed by Plan – a child centred community development agency – operating in East Timor since 2001.

Plan Country Director for East Timor Tim Budge says in the past three days, Plan has distributed over 1.7 tons of rice, noodles, oil and water to over 2,500 people, many of them children, displaced by the conflict.

“This is despite the turmoil and international public concerns that food and water are not available for thousands of East Timorese,” Tim Budge says.

Tim Budge, who has been in Dili since December last year, heads Plan’s long-term child centred development programs that aim to assist East Timor – the world’s newest nation - establish vital water and sanitation infrastructures and education programs.

Tim Budge has also been making daily visits to a half dozen displaced persons camps, clinics and other secure areas when it has been safe.

“Plan has found available supplies of necessary items and distribution will continue throughout today and into the future as larger supply routes are established. I will also be involved in a needs assessment with UN staff today in IDP camps,” he says.

Plan in Australia national executive director Ian Wishart says Tim Budge, who is a former acting director of Child Centred Community Development for Plan in Australia, will remain in Dili to coordinate Plan’s efforts for as long as it remains safe for him to do so.

“We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Plan staff, including ten local East Timorese nationals, are safe,” Mr Wishart says.

Plan in Australia has taken leadership of Plan’s international response to the growing humanitarian crisis in East Timor, and has been asked to provide assistance with communications, supplies and personnel.

Plan in Australia has opened an appeal to raise funds to support both short-term emergency aid, child protection measures and ensure funds are available for longer-term development needs. Plan is focusing its efforts on food distribution, shelter, water and sanitation for the displaced, as well as ensuring the protection and essential needs of children are met.

Make a secure online donation to the Plan East Timor Appeal or call 13 PLAN (13 7526).