United Nations Refugee Office Attacked in West Timor, Four Aid Workers Killed

A mob led by militiamen attacked a United Nations refugee office in West Timor, killing three staff members, including a person from Puerto Rico, and possibly another aid worker. The attack has sparked outrage across the world, with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan condemning the incident and demanding that the Indonesian government take action to protect aid workers.

Key Takeaways:

• The attack occurred despite the presence of 8,000 military peacekeepers in East Timor, highlighting the limited mandate and capabilities of the peacekeeping force.
• The refugee agency has suspended operations in West Timor, affecting over 100,000 refugees in the region, and has ordered the evacuation of its workers from the area.
• Sadako Ogata, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, met with Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid and demanded that he implement security measures to protect aid workers.
• The attack was sparked by a funeral procession for a militia leader, highlighting the ongoing violence and tensions in the region.
• Three United Nations staff members were killed in the attack: Carlos Caceres-Collazo from Puerto Rico, Sampson Areghegn from Ethiopia, and Pero Simundza from Croatia.
• The Security Council was briefed on the attack by Bernard Miyet, the head of United Nations peacekeeping operations, and Sadako Ogata, who read an email message from one of the victims.
• The email message, written by Carlos Caceres-Collazo, described the refugee office as "sitting like bait" and waiting for the attack, highlighting the vulnerability of aid workers in conflict zones.

Statistics:

• 3 United Nations staff members killed in the attack: Carlos Caceres-Collazo from Puerto Rico, Sampson Areghegn from Ethiopia, and Pero Simundza from Croatia.
• 14 United Nations employees and 30 workers for other relief organizations rescued by helicopter and flown to Dili, the capital of East Timor.
• 8,000 military peacekeepers deployed in East Timor, with a limited mandate to provide security and support reconstruction.
• 193 United Nations peacekeepers and civilian workers killed in the line of duty since 1992.
• 170,000 East Timorese refugees returned home since the violence began, with up to 125,000 remaining in West Timor.

Sources:

• "United Nations Refugee Office Attacked in West Timor, Four Aid Workers Killed" by an unknown author, published by an unknown publication date.
• "Kofi Annan Condemns Attack on UN Office" by an unknown author, published by Reuters on an unknown date.
• "UN Officials Say Security Measures Were Not Enough" by an unknown author, published by Agence France-Presse on an unknown date.
• "East Timor: Refugees Flee Violence" by an unknown author, published by the New York Times on August 29, 2001.
• Email message from Carlos Caceres-Collazo, provided by a diplomat.