IOM this week released a short series of public information
materials intended to address some of the key information needs
critical to the process of return and reintegration of internally
displaced persons (IDPs) into their communities.

The Livru Mata Dalan ba Cidadania series (Guidebook for
Citizenry), a collaborative effort of IOM, its local NGO-partner
BELUN, and the Ministry of Labour and Community Re-insertion,
provides information to IDPs and their communities of origin so
that they are better informed about available humanitarian and
other services available from the Government, NGOs, UN Agencies,
etc.

The target audience for the Livru Mata Dalan series also
includes camp leaders and committees, local village councils,
government departments, district and sub-district administrations,
journalists, local NGOs and other humanitarian actors.

The first two guidebooks, "Justice" and "Security," use a simple
and easy-to-read Q & A format to answer questions frequently
asked by IDPs and communities on issues related to policing, law
and order, and other available security and legal services. Some
examples include: "What information should I provide when reporting
a crime? Where can I get legal support? Where are police stations
located and how do I contact one?"

"While successful return and reintegration is linked to the
improving security situation, it is also foremost contingent upon
the ability of the displaced to make informed decisions about
return, and of communities to feel more confident in accepting
them," says IOM Chief of Mission Luiz Vieira.

In the 27 IDP camps managed by IOM, the displaced have
frequently cited a lack of information regarding available security
and reintegration support services as an obstacle to their return
home.

According to recent estimates, some 100,000 persons still remain
displaced as a result of the civil and political unrest which began
in April-May 2006.

IOM will support village councils in using the guidebooks to
build their confidence in responding to community needs, as well as
in strengthening the relationship between these elected
representatives and their constituents.

For more information, please contact:

Angela Sherwood

IOM Dili

Tel.+670 726 6008

E-mail: "mailto:asherwood@iom.int">asherwood@iom.int