The ICRC has been present in Timor-Leste for many years and continues to work with all parties concerned towards establishing an independent commission on missing persons to address the needs of the families of people missing as a result of the events between 1975 and 1999. Recently, the violent clashes that broke out between the police and military in April 2006 have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes to set up residence in makeshift camps or stay with relatives. The ICRC and the Timor Leste Red Cross Society (CVTL) are providing emergency assistance to these civilians by ensuring the water supply, improving sanitation, distributing essential items such as tarpaulins, mosquito nets, jerry cans, blankets and sleeping mats, helping restore contact between families and visiting those detained in connection with the violence. At the beginning of the crisis, the CVTL collected dead bodies and helped transport the injured to hospital.