United Nations Security Council Resolution 1272

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UN Security Council
Resolution 1272
Flag of East Timor.svg
Flag of East Timor
Date25 October 1999
Meeting no.4,057
CodeS/RES/1272 (Document)
SubjectThe situation in Timor
Voting summary
  • 15 voted for
  • None voted against
  • None abstained
ResultAdopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members
←  1271 Lists of resolutions 1273  →

United Nations Security Council resolution 1272 was adopted unanimously on 25 October 1999, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor Leste), particularly resolutions 384 (1975), 389 (1976), 1236 (1999), 1246 (1999), 1262 (1999) and 1264 (1999). The council established the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) that was responsible for the administration of the territory until its independence in 2002. [1]

Contents

Resolution

Observations

The security council noted the decision of the East Timorese people in the Special Autonomy Referendum to begin a process of transition under United Nations administration towards independence. The International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was now deployed and continued co-operation was needed between the Indonesian government and INTERFET. Meanwhile, the council was concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation as a result of violence in East Timor which had caused large-scale displacement of civilians and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Acts

Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council authorised the establishment of UNTAET which would have full responsibility for the administration of East Timor and control of the executive, legislative and the administration of justice. [2] UNTAET would also maintain law and order, assist in the development of the civil services, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, support capacity-building and establish an effective administration and conditions for sustainable development. [3] The main components of UNTAET would consist of:

(a) a governance and public administration component including 1,640 police;
(b) a humanitarian component;
(c) a military component with 8,950 troops and 200 military observers.

Additionally, UNTAET was authorised to take all necessary measures to fulfill its mandate. The Secretary-General Kofi Annan was to appoint a Special Representative to head the operation and who would have the power to make new laws and suspend or repeal existing ones. [4]

The Council stressed the need for co-operation between UNTAET, INTERFET and the local population with a view to the establishment of an independent human rights institution among others. INTERFET would also be replaced by the military component of UNTAET. [5] There was a need for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, including the issue of refugees and displaced persons resettling in either West Timor or East Timor, and acts of violence were condemned. The Secretary-General was to establish a Trust Fund to finance international assistance, and was requested to provide regular updates on all aspects of the situation in East Timor.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor</span> Interim civil administration/peacekeeping mission (1999–2002)

The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET),, was a United Nations mission in East Timor that aimed to solve the decades long East Timorese crisis in the area occupied by Indonesian military. UNTAET provided an interim civil administration and a peacekeeping mission in the territory of East Timor, from its establishment on 25 October 1999, until its independence on 20 May 2002, following the outcome of the East Timor Special Autonomy Referendum. The transitional administration was established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1272 in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of East Timor</span> Account of the country of East Timor

East Timor, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The country comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor and the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco. The first inhabitants are thought to be descendant of Australoid and Melanesian peoples. The Portuguese began to trade with Timor by the early 16th century and colonised it throughout the mid-century. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty for which Portugal ceded the western half of the island. Imperial Japan occupied East Timor during World War II, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese surrender.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timor Leste Defence Force</span> Combined military forces of East Timor

The Timor Leste Defence Force is the military of East Timor. The F-FDTL was established in February 2001 and comprises two infantry battalions, small naval and air components and several supporting units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Force East Timor</span> Multinational peacemaking taskforce

The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking task force, organised and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions to address the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of UN peacekeepers. INTERFET was commanded by an Australian military officer, Major General Peter Cosgrove.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor</span>

The United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT) was established on 25 August 2006 by UN Security Council Resolution 1704. Its objectives are "to support the Government in consolidating stability, enhancing a culture of democratic governance, and facilitating political dialogue among Timorese stakeholders, in their efforts to bring about a process of national reconciliation and to foster social cohesion". In its most recent resolution on UNMIT, the Council extended its mandate until 26 February 2012. UNMIT and ISF troops left the country at the end of 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 East Timorese independence referendum</span>

An independence referendum was held in East Timor on 30 August 1999. The referendum's origins lay with the request made by the President of Indonesia, B. J. Habibie, to the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 27 January 1999, for the United Nations to hold a referendum, whereby the Indonesian province would be given choice of either greater autonomy within Indonesia or independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesian occupation of East Timor</span> 1975–1999 military occupation

The Indonesian occupation of East Timor began in December 1975 and lasted until October 1999. After centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in East Timor, a 1974 coup in Portugal led to the decolonisation of its former colonies, creating instability in East Timor and leaving its future uncertain. After a small-scale civil war, the pro-independence Fretilin declared victory in the capital city of Dili and declared an independent East Timor on 28 November 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 East Timorese crisis</span> Pro-Indonesian attacks in East Timor after an independence referendum

The 1999 East Timorese crisis began with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters chose independence from Indonesia. Some 1,400 civilians are believed to have died. A UN-authorized force (INTERFET) consisting mainly of Australian Defence Force personnel was deployed to East Timor to establish and maintain peace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Timor–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

East Timor and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 2002. Both share the island of Timor. Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony in 1975 and annexed East Timor in 1976, maintaining East Timor as its 27th province until a United Nations-sponsored referendum in 1999, in which the people of East Timor chose independence. Following a United Nations interim administration, East Timor gained independence in 2002. Indonesia has an embassy in Dili. East Timor has an embassy in Jakarta and consulates in Denpasar and Kupang.

United Nations Security Council resolution 1246, adopted unanimously on 11 June 1999, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor, particularly Resolution 1236 (1999), the council established the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) to organise and conduct the East Timor Special Autonomy Referendum on the future status of East Timor, scheduled for August 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1262</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 1999

United Nations Security Council resolution 1262, adopted unanimously on 27 August 1999, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor, particularly resolutions 1246 (1999) and 1257 (1999), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) until 30 November 1999.

United Nations Security Council resolution 1264, adopted unanimously on 15 September 1999, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), the Council authorised the establishment of the multinational International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) to restore peace and security in the territory, facilitate humanitarian assistance and protect the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1319</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2000

United Nations Security Council resolution 1319, adopted unanimously on 8 September 2000, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), the Council demanded that Indonesia take steps to disarm and disband militia on the island following the killing of three United Nations staff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1338</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2001

United Nations Security Council resolution 1338, adopted unanimously on 31 January 2001, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly resolutions 1272 (1999) and 1319 (2000), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) for a year until 31 January 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1392</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2002

United Nations Security Council resolution 1392, adopted unanimously on 31 January 2002, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly resolutions 1272 (1999) and 1338 (2001), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) until 20 May 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1410</span> United Nations Security Council resolution

United Nations Security Council resolution 1410, adopted unanimously on 17 May 2002, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly resolutions 1272 (1999), 1338 (2001) and 1392 (2002), the council established the United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET) to replace the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1473</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2003

United Nations Security Council resolution 1473, adopted unanimously on 4 April 2003, after recalling previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly Resolution 1410 (2002), the Council adjusted the United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET) to improve its capacity to train the National Police of East Timor in light of the security situation, and slowed the downsizing of the operation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1543</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2004

United Nations Security Council resolution 1543 was adopted unanimously on 14 May 2004, after reaffirming previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly resolutions 1410 (2002), 1473 (2003) and 1480 (2003). The Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET) for six months, with a view to extending it for a further final period of six months until 20 May 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Timor independence</span> Milestone in the history of East Timor

East Timor independence formally occurred on 20 May 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Administered East Timor</span> United Nations protectorate (1999–2002)

United Nations Administered East Timor refers to the period between 25 October 1999 and 20 May 2002 when East Timor was administered by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor as a United Nations protectorate.

References

  1. ↑ "Security Council establishes UN Transitional Administration in East Timor for initial period until 31 January 2001". United Nations. 25 October 1999.
  2. ↑ Gorjão, Paulo (August 2002). "The Legacy and Lessons of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor". Contemporary Southeast Asia. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 24 (2): 313–336. doi:10.1355/cs24-2f. JSTOR   25798599.
  3. ↑ Suhrke, Astri (2001). "Peacekeepers as nation-builders: Dilemmas of the UN in East Timor". International Peacekeeping. 8 (4): 1–20. doi:10.1080/13533310108413917.
  4. ↑ Stahn, Carsten (2008). The law and practice of international territorial administration: Versailles to Iraq and beyond. Cambridge University Press. pp. 337–338. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511585937. ISBN   978-0-521-87800-5.
  5. ↑ Wren, Christopher S. (26 October 1999). "U.N. Creates an Authority To Start Governing East Timor". The New York Times .
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