UN Human Rights Commission Establishes International Inquiry into East Timor Atrocities

The United Nations human rights commission's decision to set up an international inquiry into atrocities committed in East Timor has sparked tensions within Indonesia and jeopardized its relations with the UN. The inquiry, led by UN commissioner Mary Robinson, aims to assess reports of mass human rights violations in East Timor this year. Indonesia, however, has expressed concerns over the potential "standoff" between the international inquiry and the country's own investigation, led by Marzuki Darusman, head of Indonesia's human rights commission.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN human rights commission has established an international inquiry into atrocities committed in East Timor, despite opposition from Indonesia and other Asian nations.
• The inquiry, led by UN commissioner Mary Robinson, aims to assess reports of mass human rights violations in East Timor this year and could potentially lead to the establishment of an international war crimes tribunal.
• Indonesian authorities have been accused of obstructing investigations, including the killing of Financial Times journalist Sander Thoenes, with UN-mandated investigators facing harassment and lack of security from militia groups.
• The Indonesian government has pledged to cooperate with the international inquiry but has expressed concerns over the potential "standoff" between the two investigations.
• Amnesty International has raised concerns that the participation of Indonesia's human rights commission could weaken the overall investigation.
• The UN mission has estimated that over $100m will be required to rebuild the lives of hundreds of thousands of East Timorese in the next six months.
• The Australian government has expressed concerns over the potential impact of the reconstruction effort on the 1999-2000 budget, with Treasury estimates suggesting it could be significantly higher than A$500m.

Statistics:

• Over $100m will be required to rebuild the lives of hundreds of thousands of East Timorese in the next six months (UN Mission to East Timor).
• Indonesia has accused the UN commission of trying to railroad the investigation through without cooperation from the Indonesian government.
• The Indonesian human rights commission has pledged to cooperate with the international inquiry but has expressed concerns over the potential "standoff" between the two investigations.
• Amnesty International has expressed concerns that the participation of Indonesia's human rights commission could weaken the overall investigation.
• The Australian government has estimated that the reconstruction effort could have a significantly higher impact on the 1999-2000 budget than A$500m.

Sources:

• Mary Robinson, UN Commissioner for Human Rights.
• Marzuki Darusman, Head of Indonesia's Human Rights Commission.
• Amnesty International.
• United Nations Mission to East Timor.
• Reuters.
• Financial Times Limited.
• John Howard, Australian Prime Minister.
• Peter Costello, Australian Treasurer.
• James Wolfensohn, World Bank President.