In a 1999 referendum organised by the United Nations, 80% of Timorese people voted for the independence of their country, which became official in 2002. Since that time, considerable efforts have been made to assist this young nation in its establishment, and as a result there has been a gradual development of institutions, a relative political stabilisation in spite of sporadic crises, as well as notable advances towards the establishment of the rule of law.  Nevertheless, the situation remains fragile and the challenges for genuine access to justice and the fight against impunity are still for the most part underestimated. 

ASF established itself in Timor-Leste in 2002, following an exploratory mission in 2000. Throughout its seven years in Timor-Leste, Avocats Sans Frontières emphasised the importance of restoring the trust of the population in the justice system. With the help of local partners, the organisation has put in place mechanisms in an integrated manner for responding to needs.

This long-term engagement has resulted in significant progress, notably through the legal awareness-raising of more than 50,000 people living in rural communities and the creation of a network of 175 trained volunteer community liaisons.  These people, with the help of committed Timorese lawyers, are bringing concrete solutions to problems faced at the local level.  

Persistent difficulties in securing long-term funding of this ambitious programme have however led ASF to scale back its mass activities, and to instead focus on the strategy (already well entrenched) of strengthening national capacities and resources.  This has led the organisation to consider new forms of support, particularly through the involvement of the International Legal Network. 

In 2009, ASF and its NGO partners worked to gradually document and standardise their practical knowledge through the creation of training manuals and updating of tools that allow the partners to continue their activities after the closure of the ASF mission in August 2009.  The building of capacity has also focused on supporting the development of strategic plans and projects by the partners, and facilitating their access to international sources of funding, available to national organisations.

In September 2009, to ensure continuity in the analysis of the Timorese context as well as identification of potential new areas of activity, Maria Veronika Moa, former national program coordinator, was named Special Representative of ASF in Timor-Leste. Since then, she has continued to support the local partners with her expertise, with successful results.  In fact, by the end of December 2009, two out of ASF’s three local partners (CIES-TL and DSTL) had received direct funding from the Australian Justice Facility programme, enabling them to carry on their activities. 

The network of community leaders has been recognised as a key entity in the establishment of effective links between communities in remote areas and the justice system.  At present it is working with various other organisations based in Dili, the capital.

These results underline the importance and relevance of sustainability initiatives developed by the organisation and its national partners.  That is also evidenced by the collaboration that ASF has had throughout its field presence with the Lawyers’ Association of Timor-Leste (AATL), likely to become the future bar association of the country.  This partnership has helped the profession to strengthen its role in monitoring and protecting civil liberties in Timor-Leste, and assisted lawyers in acting as agents of change. 

In this context, ASF remains committed to monitoring the development of justice in the country, while exploring new directions that can deliver viable solutions for the most vulnerable groups. 

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