The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET) standing in front of a crowd of East Timorese at a pre poll rally in the village of Ponilala. UNAMET was sent to East Timor on 11 June 1999, to organise, conduct and supervise the referendum, held on 30 August 1999, to allow the East Timorese to choose between autonomy within Indonesia or independence. Following the overwhelming vote for independence, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300,000 others into West Timor as refugees. Due to this the mandate of UNAMET was extended from 31 August 1999 to 30 September 1999, although most members were evacuated by 20 September when the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was sent in.
East Timorese villagers gathered together for a pre poll meeting in the village of Atsabe. This meeting was made possible by the presence of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). UNAMET w
East Timorese gathered for a pre poll meeting in an unknown village. This meeting was made possible by the presence of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). UNAMET was sent to East Timor
Members of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET) registering local East Timorese to vote in the upcoming referendum for independence. UNAMET was sent to East Timor on 11 June 1999, to organis
East Timorese gathered near a small house for a pre poll meeting in the village of Atsabe. This meeting was made possible by the presence of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). UNAMET w
East Timorese gathered near a small thatched house for a pre poll meeting in the village of Atsabe. This meeting was made possible by the presence of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET).
East Timorese villagers dancing in traditional costume at a pre poll meeting in the village of Atsabe. This meeting was made possible by the presence of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAME
