Project description

Title: Supporting Alternative Concepts for Conflict Resolution in Timor-Leste
Commissioned by: German Federal Foreign Office
Country: Timor-Leste
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Planning
Overall term: 2008 to 2009

Context

Timor-Leste is a post-conflict country whose reconstruction since gaining independence in 2002 has repeatedly been shaken by violent clashes. The political crisis of March 2006 led to armed clashes between the armed forces, police and various sections of the population.

The state legal system is in the process of being established. It is not in keeping with traditional Timorese moral concepts, which are based on exchange, conciliation and a functioning social network in the communities. Most conflicts are settled by communities in accordance with traditional justice. The state and traditional systems both lack mechanisms by which the opposing parties can communicate constructively with one another, allow different views and decide on workable solutions on their own. Above all, this has a negative impact on younger sections of the population, who have experienced the destruction and massacres of 1999 and who see violence as a legitimate means of asserting their interests. This poses a massive challenge for the political and socioeconomic development of the country.

Objective

The population assumes responsibility for its conduct and resolves its conflicts in a constructive manner without resorting to violence. The potential for actors in civil society to resolve conflicts is improved.

Approach

The project is operating in the districts of Covalima and Viqueque, which have a high potential for conflict.

A model for conflict resolution has been developed that is consistent with Timorese culture and tradition and can be applied nationwide. In Covalima and Viqueque, a total of 568 mediators have been trained in conflict management, mediation, the conducting of negotiations and non-violent communication. Information on the national legal system and on the legal background in relation to land disputes likewise formed part of their training. In cooperation with the local authorities, 77 mediation centres have been set up and equipped with material resources. These are used as neutral locations for mediation. In all, the project has set up 284 mediation panels.

GTZ is advising the Timorese Government on the drafting of a bill relating to mediation and on the definition of training standards for mediators.

Results achieved so far

Mediations help conflicting parties find a non-violent, prompt and inexpensive solution to conflicts on their own. Tensions and conflicts within communities are reduced. The population has better access to justice and groups of people who have until now been excluded from the traditional legal system utilise the mediation concept.

The project represents a process-based and solution-oriented approach to mediation. It is focused on non-violent communication and is therefore suitable for initiating individual changes in attitude and behaviour that are essential to facilitate peaceful reconstruction of the country.