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East Timor formally became an independent State on 20 May 2002. Shortly before then, on 30 April 2002, the East Timor transition government approved a list of Treaties and Conventions that Dili would adhere to when fully independent. The list included, among others, the Mine Ban Treaty.[1] In May 2002, Brazil offered to support the newly established government in all “demarches” needed for the accession of East Timor.[2]
It would appear that the independence fighters of the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of East Timor have never produced, obtained, or used antipersonnel mines. There is no evidence that either side used antipersonnel mines during the conflict from 1975 to 1999, which pitted the independence fighters against the Armed Forces of Indonesia.[3] In March 2002, East Timor officials confirmed that no antipersonnel mines have been laid along the border with Indonesian West Timor, including the Oecussi area which is a part of East Timor located inside West Timor.[4]
While East Timor is apparently not affected by landmines, there have been problems with other types of unexploded ordnance (UXO). In 2000, the UN Transition Administration for East Timor (UNTAET) launched a public information campaign with radio messages and posters to increase people’s awareness about UXO dangers. UNTAET’s Civilian Police and the UN Peace-keeping Force established Standard Operating Procedures for UXO, and a Control Centre on UXO was established in Dili to gather information.[5] Landmine Monitor Report 2001 reported on several UXO incidents in 2000.[6]
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[1] “East Timor: Dili Approves Gamut of International Treaties, Conventions,” Temas, East Timor, 30 April 2002.
[2] Oral remarks, Fernando Silva, Brazilian Mission to the UN, Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the Convention, Geneva, 27 May 2002.
[3] There are conflicting reports of use by Indonesian forces prior to 1975. See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 452. Allegations of mine use by pro-Indonesian militiamen during the fighting in 1999 appear to be unfounded. See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 592.
[4] Interview with Joao Freitas de Camera, Director, and Michel Vanwolt, Advisor, Legal and Treaty Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dili, East Timor, 20 March 2002.
[5] “Defusing potential danger: UNTAET on the lookout for unexploded ammunition,” Tais Timor, Vol. I.I, No 6, 1–14 May 2000.
[6] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 592-593.
