The displaced Acehnese are fleeing massacres by soldiers and police as well as clashes between Indonesian troops and separatist rebels. Thousands of villagers are taking shelter in mosques, schools, and government offices. Others are living in the open air with only plastic sheets to keep out the rain and heat.
Aid workers say a lack of medical care is hindering efforts to prevent illness and disease.
Many Acehnese have sought independence from Indonesia since the late 1970s. In August 1998, after the discovery of mass graves in Aceh, Indonesia's military chief apologized for the human rights violations committed during the several years that Aceh was designated a special military operations zone. Although Indonesia subsequently withdrew many combat troops from Aceh, violence has lately escalated in the region. Between 40 and 70 Acehnese were killed in one day of violence, July 24. Such rights are noted in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.