Plan calls for urgent donations for humanitarian aid

Plan has made the care and protection of vulnerable children who could number nearly 35,000 in over 30 makeshift camps in Dili – East Timor’s capital – a priority.

Plan East Timor country director Tim Budge says that given 50 per cent of the population are aged under 18 years it could be that children make up nearly half of an estimated 70,000 people currently living in the displaced persons camps.

Plan is particularly concerned about the vulnerability of children in these camps and under the coordination of the Ministry of Labour, members of the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Assistance Group, including Plan, UNICEF, CARE International and the Red Cross, have been working closely with camp administrators to provide information and training on child protection issues, Mr Budge says.

“In situations like this with large numbers of people displaced or relocating, children are particularly vulnerable and it is very easy for them to be separated from their parents.

“With increasing access to the camps, it is clear there are children who are unaccompanied. Special systems for registering these children and tracing their families or care givers need to be prioritised,” Mr Budge says.

According to Mr Budge, children are at high risk of psycho-social trauma, malnutrition and other forms of abuse. “With girl children among large groups of people, there is the added potential for predatory behaviour,” he added.

Mr Budge estimates that the makeshift camps, which have existed since April 28 and given the current situation, are likely to be in place for another month.

Most of the camps, which were set up at churches, parks and other public places, are overcrowded and do not have adequate water and sanitation facilities to cope, he says.

However, Plan has shipped in six 5000 ltr water tanks from Darwin to supply water to six camps and some additional foodstuff including cooking oil to supplement the food being distributed by the World Food Program and other United Nations agencies.

“Under the present circumstances, we feel the East Timorese will continue using the camps for another four weeks so we not only have to ensure nutritional, water and sanitation needs are met, but also child protection remains a priority and that there are safe play and learning spaces for children,” he says.

“We are also encouraging people to form resident groups who can then be on the look out for any children who are vulnerable or at risk. Focal point volunteers have also been identified and will soon begin receiving a second round of training on child protection issues,” Mr Budge says.

Mr Budge says people are still incredibly frightened in Dili and feel very vulnerable in their homes at night so while they go home during the day, they are returning to the camps at nightfall.

“But amongst all the fear there is a sense that the East Timorese people want to work together and find the strength to make something better for their nation,” he adds.

Mr 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, child protection and early years  and education programs.

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.

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

Note to editors:
The Inter-Agency Humanitarian Assistance Group meets daily to assess the changing needs and coordinate the response. It comprises many agencies, led by the East Timor Government. These include, WHO, UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR UNDP, UNFPA, WFP, CCF, Catholic Relief Service, CARE International, AUSTCARE, Red Cross, Oxfam Australia, Plan, MSF, World Vision, and CONCERN.  Many local organisations also participate, as do donors, including AusAid and USAID.