Operation TOUCAN (UNTAET)

International Operation Name: United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET)

International Operation Dates: 25 October 1999 - 20 May 2002

Mandating Organization: United Nations

Region Name: Asia

Location: East Timor

Canadian Operation Name: Operation TOUCAN

Canadian Operation Dates: 23 February 2000 - 12 May 2001

Mission Mandate:

UNTAET had overall responsibility for the administration of East Timor and was empowered to exercise all legislative and executive authority, including the administration of justice. UNTAET's mandate consisted of the following elements:

• To provide security and maintain law and order throughout the territory of East Timor;

• To establish an effective administration;

• To assist in the development of civil and social services;

• To ensure the coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and development assistance;

• To support capacity-building for self-government; and

• To assist in the establishment of conditions for sustainable development.

Mission Notes:

In 1976, Indonesia declared Portuguese Timor to be its 27th province. This action came on the heels of a covert operation to generate a pro-Indonesia movement in the Portuguese colony and a coup supported by Indonesia in 1975. Indonesia’s claim to what became known as East Timor was never recognized internationally.

In 1999, after two years of negotiations, Indonesia agreed to allow a referendum in which the East Timor people could decide their own fate. The UN Security Council authorized the formation of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) to create the institutions required for the referendum. Despite intimidation from pro-Indonesian militias, over 98 percent of voters turned out and 78 percent voted for independence on 30 August 1999. The pro-Indonesian militias, with support from Indonesia, went on a rampage of destruction. The UN Security Council on 15 September authorized an International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) to restore order and provide the security necessary for UNAMET to carry out its role. This INTERFET rapidly succeeded in doing, with the support of Indonesia.

East Timor was nevertheless in no position to administer itself in the immediate aftermath of the fighting. Too much infrastructure had been destroyed, too many displaced persons needed to be re-established, and pro-Indonesian militias, just across the border, remained a threat. The international community took note, and on 25 October 1999, the Security Council passed resolution 1272, establishing the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). This effectively ended UNAMET, whose personnel were taken into UNTAET. The purpose of UNTAET was to administer the territory and prepare it for independence.

UNTAET began operations in November 1999, although it would be several months before the operation was fully functional. By the end of January 2000, food distribution was no longer necessary on a general basis, but could concentrate on specific areas. Electricity had been restored for half of the population, and by mid-January, arrest and detention functions had been turned over from INTERFET to the UN Civil Police and East Timorese authorities.

To maintain the security of East Timor, a UN Peacekeeping Force (UN PKF) was authorized by the Security Council resolution. The transition from INTERFET to UN PKF started on 1 February and was completed by the 23rd. About 70 percent of INTERFET forces made the transition to UNTAET, the remaining nations withdrawing their forces as the threat had been greatly reduced.

A UN Military Observer Group was also created, numbering 201 military observers from 18 nations. Their role was to observe and report on the security situation in East Timor, as well as the process of disarming and demobilizing the armed groups in the country. The observers reported directly to the UN PKF Commander.

Despite the challenges, UNTAET created the basis for a stable democracy in East Timor. The militias conducted occasional attacks, but were generally reined in. With progress in rebuilding the economy and infrastructure, UNTAET was replaced by the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) on 20 May 2002, the date on which East Timor officially declared its independence.

Canadian Operation Notes:

The Canadian Forces contribution to UNTAET consisted of the 250-man company from 3e bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment. Deployed to East Timor in October 1999 under INTERFET, they made the transition to UNTAET on 23 February when INTERFET formally handed over control of UN operations in East Timor to UNTAET. The Vandoos only remained with UNTAET for two weeks, returning to Canada on 12 March 2000. They flew back in 436 Squadron Hercules aircraft.

Canada also contributed a total of three officers to UNTAET headquarters. The last returned to Canada on 12 May 2001.

The content of this webpage was prepared by the Operational Records section within the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH).

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