Whereas the Parties to this Joint Understanding believe in the basic tenets of humanitarian principles and values;

Whereas the Parties to this Joint Understanding agree on the imperative to reduce tension and suffering of the population and a Humanitarian Pause can become an effective instrument for that purpose;

Whereas the Parties to this Joint Understanding agree that Humanitarian Pause constitutes a means to promote confidence of the people and parties to this Joint Understanding in their common endeavour towards achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict situation,

We, the undersigned,

Amb. Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda for the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, and

Dr. Zaini Abdullah for the Leadership of the Free Aceh Movement

Hereby agree on the following:

Article 1
Objectives of the Humanitarian Pause

The Objectives of the Humanitarian Pause are:

A. delivery of humanitarian assistance to the population of Aceh affected by the conflict situation;

B. provision of security modalities with a view to supporting the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to reducing tension and violence which may cause further suffering;

C. promotion of confidence-building measures towards a peaceful solution to the conflict situation in Aceh.

Article 2
Components

The Humanitarian Pause comprises two components:

A. humanitarian action;
B. security modalities.

Article 3
Organisational Structure

The organisational structure for the Humanitarian Pause consists of following bodies:

A. Joint Forum

The Joint Forum is the highest organ of the Humanitarian Pause, and as such, it is entrusted with the following tasks:

a. to formulate and oversee basic policy;
b. to review the progress of the Humanitarian Pause; and
c. to generate the necessary support for a successful implementation of the Humanitarian Pause.

The Joint Forum, in Switzerland, will consist of representatives of the Government of Indonesia and of the Free Aceh Movement. The Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC) acts as the facilitator.

B. Joint Committee on Humanitarian Action (JCHA)

The Joint Committee on Humanitarian Action is the body which carries out the policy of the Joint Forum and which coordinates humanitarian assistance.

Its tasks include:

a. needs assessment, the setting of priorities, resource mobilisation and planning;

b. the delivery of humanitarian assistance in a way which ensures the full participation of and benefit to the people of Aceh; and

c. ensuring the unhindered access for the delivery of the humanitarian assistance, and in this context, coordinates closely with the Joint Committee on Security Modalities.

Membership of this Committee consists of maximum of ten members comprising of 5 each appointed by the Parties to this Understanding. The members of the Committee will elect a Chairperson from among them. The Committee will be facilitated by the HDC.

The HDC will in addition facilitate the process of fundraising for humanitarian assistance.

A Monitoring Team will be established whose tasks are:

- to assess the implementation of the humanitarian action;
- to report their findings to the Joint Forum.

Its membership will consist of 5 persons of high integrity as agreed by the two Parties.

Both Parties take note of the Humanitarian Plan attached.

C. Joint Committee on Security Modalities (JCSM)

The Joint Committee on Security Modalities is the body which deals with the following tasks:

a. to ensure the reduction of tension and cessation of violence;

b. to prepare ground rules for the conduct of activities pertaining to the Humanitarian Pause;

c. to guarantee the absence of offensive military actions by armed forces of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, and by the Free Aceh Movement;

d. to facilitate legitimate or non-offensive presence and movements of armed forces;

e. to ensure the continuing of normal police function for the enforcement of law and the maintenance of public order, including riot control, prohibition of the movement of civilian with arms; and

f. to assist in the elimination of offensive actions by armed elements which do not belong to the Parties to this Joint Understanding.

Membership of this Committee will consist of 10 members, 5 each appointed by the Parties to this Joint Understanding.

A Monitoring Team will be established whose tasks are:

- to assess the implementation of the security modalities of the Humanitarian Pause;
- to investigate infringements and report their findings to the Joint Forum.

Its membership will consists of 5 members of high integrity as agreed by the two Parties.

The site of the Committees and the Monitoring Teams are in Banda Aceh.

Article 4
Time Frame

A. The first phase of the Humanitarian Pause covers a period of 3 months commencing 3 weeks from the signing of this Joint Understanding. It will be reviewed 15 days prior to the end of first phase for its renewal.

B. Prior to any unilateral withdrawal from the joint Understanding, the Parties agree to hold consultations in the Joint Forum in Switzerland.

Article 5
Transition

During the period between the signing of the Joint Understanding and its entry into force, both parties will exercise utmost restraint not to do anything contrary to the purpose and intention of this Joint Understanding.

Article 6
Public Communication

Both Parties agree to launch this initiative through the media and through any other means in order to encourage support for the Humanitarian Pause.

Done at Bavois, on 12 May 2000

For the Government                           For the Leadership of
of the Republic of Indonesia               The Free Aceh Movement
Amb. Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda              Dr. Zaini Abdullah