| Accession Number | P03416.061 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Hunter, Phil |
| Place made | East Timor: Gleno |
| Date made | 4 September 1999 |
| Conflict |
Period 1990-1999 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
Civilian Police Officers, members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET), sleeping on ...
Description
Civilian Police Officers, members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET), sleeping on stretcher beds and mattresses on the floor in the briefing room of the Indonesian Police Headquarters. They slept here, after the evacuation of the United Nations Headquarters, for protection against the pro Indonesian militia. UNAMET were sent to East Timor on 11 June 1999, to organise, conduct and supervise the referendum, held on 30 August 1999, to allow the East Timorese to choose between autonomy within Indonesia or independence. Following the overwhelming vote for independence, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300,000 others into West Timor as refugees. Due to this the mandate of UNAMET was extended from 31 August 1999 to 30 September 1999, although most members were evacuated by 20 September when the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was sent in.