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Social Development Programme

Timor-Leste Programme

Violence erupted in Timor-Leste (East Timor) in late April 2006 resulting in the death of 37 people and the displacement of more 155,000 persons-fifteen percent (15%) of the total population of this young country. Much of the violence was attributed to socio-political differences between the western and eastern regions of Timor-Leste. This was exacerbated by tensions between former military personnel and the police, as well as roaming youth gangs, some reportedly egged on by the military and/or the police and taking advantage of the breakdown in law and order.

Whilst almost half of the IDPs sought refuge under harsh conditions in sixty (60) evacuation centers in the capital - Dili - the majority secured temporary shelter in public facilities or with relatives and host families in other districts. Approximately 100,000 people remained displaced in early 2007, 30,000 of them in evacuation centers in Dili, with high prospects of food shortages and further violence leading up to the 2007 national elections.

Recalling CFSI's work with 250,000 East Timorese refugees in West Timor, Indonesia during the crisis of 1999 and 2000, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) approached CFSI in late 2006 about possible cooperative effort in Timor-Leste. Discussions over the next couple of months led to the signing of an Agreement between CFSI and UNHCR in January 2007 and the deployment in Dili of senior CFSI Staff Member Celia Santos in early February 2007.

At present, CFSI is helping UNHCR pilot-test "Community Peace Projects" aimed at fostering the reconciliation of divided and traumatized populations in selected communities in Timor-Leste. This is being achieved through community-driven activities deemed priorities by the communities themselves. Such activities enable people from all sectors to work together towards a common objective and, thereby, create space for dialogue between peoples.

CFSI is expected to provide UNHCR with technical expertise in community reconciliation and peace-building; establish links at all levels in the selected communities; ensure gender equality and child rights are factored into the design and implementation of planned activities; and help develop operational partnerships leading to greater prospects for reconciliation and the successful reintegration of the displaced.

Ms. Celia Santos represents CFSI in Timor-Leste. She is drawing on her decades of work in community organizing, her experience with IDPs in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, Philippines as well as with youth in Nairobi, Kenya, and her service to East Timorese refugees in West Timor in 1999 and 2000.

CFSI has committed to assist UNHCR for at least one full year as well as to try to mobilize additional resources for complementary effort. As such, CFSI is seeking to raise US$150,000 for expanded activity in Timor-Leste through December 2008.

Those interested in learning more about, or contributing to, CFSI activity in Timor-Leste may contact the Executive Director in CFSI Headquarters in Metro Manila, Philippines through headquarters@cfsi.ph or telephone numbers (632)551-1977 and 510-1046 or fax number (632)551-2225.

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