In our development work in many different countries, Oxfams and our staff have had much contact with United Nations operations, especially in Cambodia, Mozambique and Lebanon. From our experience in other countries and crises, we can expect obstacles and procrastination from the Indonesian government and the army, and from members of the Security Council, which may slow down the process and water down the mandate of the force, and which must at all costs be avoided. In many instances these forces have played a positive role. But there are a number of lessons which we believe should be kept in mind as the United Nations force for East Timor is assembled. Past experience shows that, where such conditions are not clearly set from the start, a United Nations force does little to improve human rights conditions, and may even harm them.
Experience also shows that sufficient resources have to be assigned to the task.
A mission that is perceived as strong from the beginning is far less likely to be tested than one perceived to be vulnerable. It is important to keep in mind that the breakthrough on a peace keeping force will not help those in West Timor, where violence and needs of refugees remain great. Protection of refugees must be dealt with as a high priority in the current negotiations. Strong diplomatic pressure must continue on the Indonesian Government to ensure security and access for humanitarian aid in West Timor. Strong diplomatic, economic and military pressure must continue until the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force is agreed upon and the forces are on the ground and operating effectively.