They are being held prisoner essentially for having done their humanitarian jobs. The ordeal began on March 31, when Pratt and Wallace, both Australians, were detained at the Yugoslav border with Croatia. One week later, Jelen, a Yugoslav, was also taken into custody. As humanitarian aid workers, Pratt and Wallace of Australia and Jelen of Yugoslavia had been assisting both Serbs and ethnic Albanian refugees. As the appeal began, the Chinese Government called for the release of the three men.
China keeps close links with Yugoslavia.
Many world leaders have also pressed for the release of the three men. Those lending their support include United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, former South African President Nelson Mandela, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and Finish President Marti Ahtisaari. In addition to the distribution of food, construction materials and emergency relief supplies, CARE is currently offering mine-awareness training to aid workers throughout Kosovo. CARE has been working in Yugoslavia since 1994 and in Kosovo from 1998 until the NATO bombings began. Programs have focused on health and winterization projects, all aimed at helping people displaced by conflict.