Views of East Timor During the Transition to Independence

On 30 August 1999, the people of East Timor voted to begin a process leading towards independence. Militias which had favoured integration with Indonesia subsequently launched a campaign of violence, looting and arson throughout the territory. Following strenuous diplomatic efforts to halt the violence, the Security Council authorized a multinational force, known as INTERFET, to restore peace and security, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). On 23 February 2000, that Force completed its work and officially transferred its command to UNTAET, which is mandated to administer the territory during the transition to independence.
An UNTAET peacekeeper plays with a young child in Hera.