Oxfam in Timor-Leste

Research as a Tool for Effective and Evidence-Based Advocacy From 22 to 24 October 2024, Oxfam, Open the Books2 Project, organized a training session on research for partners such as the Timor-Leste Disability Association (#ADTL), Ra'es Hadomi Timor Oan- DPO (#RHTO), Core Group Transparency (#CGT), and Disability Organizations (#DOs) and allies. In this research training session, facilitated with participatory method by Oxfam Volunteer, Dr. Tim Young, (Environmental Science) and was supported by the Quality Program Unit Team. Topics covered in this training include processes and techniques for developing research goals and objectives, methods, research design, research ethics, sampling techniques and data analysis to develop reports. Participants were enthusiastic and active in the three-day sessions and most understood the steps of the research. In addition, participants thanked the facilitator and suggested Oxfam to support and coach partners, DPOs and allies to design future research to improve the quality of evidence-based advocacy for State Authorities. The program is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (#DFAT) through the #ANCP (Australian #NGO Cooperation Program) #InclusiveStateGeneralBudget #InclusiveDevelopment #inclusivetimor #AustraliainTimorLeste Oxfam Oxfam in Asia Oxfam International Oxfam Australia

The National PermaYouth Camp 2024 has begun in Fatukero Village, Ermera Municipality. The President of Timor-Leste, H.E. Dr. José Ramos-Horta, officially opened the National PermaYouth Camp 2024 with the powerful theme “Kuda Bee, Hamoris Komunidade” or “Planting Water, Nurturing Communities.” The event was also attended by the Executive Director of Permatil, Mr. Eugenio Lemos—winner of the 2023 International Food Security Award from the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation in the Philippines—along with representatives from national government ministries and local authorities. Oxfam in Timor-Leste's Country Director, Mr. Pankaj Anand, also participated in the event, showing solidarity with Permatil and other productive youth groups, as a long-term partner through the HAMRIIK Project, supported by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade through Oxfam Aotearoa. This year, over 800 young leaders from across Timor-Leste have gathered to strengthen a national, youth-driven environmental solidarity network. The Permatil and PermaYouth Timor-Leste initiatives have already empowered 5,500 young people through 14 regional and national camps—and this gathering continues that momentum. Over the next five days, participants will engage in hands-on learning focused on 'planting water' permaculture techniques, leadership development, and cultural exchanges. Together, they will emerge as the next generation of environmental and sustainability champions for Timor-Leste. #PermatilGlobal #PermaYouth #Permaculture #YouthEmpowermemt #YouthLeadership #TimorLeste #WaterResources #WaterSecurity Oxfam Oxfam in Asia Oxfam Aotearoa

Progress and Challenges in the Implementation of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (#UNCRPD) and the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities (#PAN-PwD) in the Ministry of Justice. In recent days, the Open the Books Project, organized an open debate between the Ministry of Justice and partners such as Timor-Leste Disability Association (#ADTL), Promotor Group, Ra'es Hadomi Timor Oan (#RHTO), Core Group Transparency (#CGT) and Organizations People with Disabilities include civil society and university students in Timor-Leste. The debate focused on evaluating the implementation of the #UNCRPD and PAN-PwD Conventions in the Ministry. Although there are many legal bases supporting implementation, however, since the ratification of this convention and the establishment of PAN-PwD the Ministry of Justice has not allocated the General State Budget (#OJE). In this debate, representative of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Nelinho Vital, Director of Legal Advisory and Legislation promised that the Ministry will consider the issue of disability inclusion based on the #UNCRPD and PAN-PwD conventions in addition, will review and adjust the budget according to needs. recruit sign language interpreters additionally, the Ministry of Justice asked #ADTL to integrate and facilitate disability inclusion curriculum judicial training including will create a single counter for all civil registration services. The program is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (#DFAT) through the #ANCP (Australian #NGO Cooperation Program). #InclusiveStateGeneralBudget #InclusiveDevelopment #InclusiveTimor Oxfam International Oxfam Australia Oxfam in Asia Oxfam

Implementation of the National Action Plan for People with Disabilities (PAN-PwD) in the Ministry of Health. In recent days, the Open the Books Program together with the Timor-Leste Disability Association (#ADTL), the Promoter Group, Ra'es Hadomi Timor-Leste (#RHTO), and the Core Group Transparency (#CGT), held a courtesy meeting with the Ministry of Health delegation for Disability issues. In this meeting, the Health Team discussed the implementation of PAN-PwD, especially health services for all, accessible health facilities and sensitive home health, and treating people with disabilities with dignity. During the fiscal year 2022 – 2024, the Ministry allocated a very minimal General State Budget (#OJE) to respond to the impact of People with Disabilities (#PWD). In 2025, the Ministry of Health will consider the issue of PwD’s allocated budget to rehabilitate and make new construction accessible, training for health personnel who are sensitive to disability inclusion, and accommodate Psychosocial PwD to accommodate them in the Tibar Isolation Center. The program is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (#DFAT) through the ANCP (Australian NGO Cooperation Program). Oxfam in Asia Oxfam International Oxfam Australia Oxfam #InclusiveGeneralStateBudget #Inclusivedevelopment #inclusivetimorleste

Avo Laurinda and her family have lived in Lahane since 1997. After the passing of her husband in 2015, a land issue arose. In July 2018, the Land Network (Rede ba Rai) was brought in to help mediate the situation. Through their support, a successful mediation took place on January 19, 2023, where the rightful ownership of Avo Laurinda's land was acknowledged. This outcome highlights the importance of community support and land rights advocacy, ensuring that families like Avo Laurinda’s can continue to thrive. #landrights #timorleste #CommunityRights #womeninlandrights Oxfam Oxfam in Asia Oxfam Australia Oxfam International #RedebaRai #LandNetwork

On September 26-27, 2024, the General Assembly of Members of the Land Network (Rede Ba Rai) convened to strengthen the collective commitment to land rights in Timor-Leste. This important event brought together a diverse group of organizations and community representatives dedicated to advocating for fair and transparent land policies. The assembly focused on mobilizing communities, building solidarity, and empowering members to effectively advocate for land rights, particularly for vulnerable groups, including women and communities affected by policies, laws, and large-scale infrastructure development. Through sharing experiences and strategies, we reinforced our mission to support communities in securing their land and livelihoods. Together, we are stronger in our fight for land justice in Timor-Leste. #RedeBaRai #LandRights #TimorLeste #Advocacy #WomenInLandRights Oxfam Oxfam International Oxfam Australia Oxfam in Asia #RedebaRaiTimorLeste

On September 23, 2024, Oxfam in Timor-Leste, in close collaboration with the Timor-Leste Journalist Association (AJTL), held a photography exhibition and announced the winners of photography competition focused on Climate Change Adaptation in Timor-Leste. This photography competition served as a powerful tool for raising awareness, engaging youth, and promoting local knowledge as a better solution to the climate crisis. By encouraging participants to capture images that depict the impacts of climate change and how communities are adapting, the competition fostered a deeper public understanding of the urgency of climate action. This event was participated by young photographers and journalist from diverse media outate as the photography, with its unique ability to tell stories in a visually and emotionally compelling way, made the abstract challenges of climate change more tangible and relatable. Through this initiative, local voices, especially those of the vulnerable rural communities most affected by climate change, were amplified—showcasing their resilience and traditional knowledge. Beyond engaging youth, the competition also served as an educational platform, inspiring participants to reflect on climate adaptation strategies and share sustainable practices. The resulting imagery will be used in advocacy efforts, helping to influence policy discussions and support stronger climate action. Ultimately, the competition celebrated the strength and creativity of Timor-Leste’s people, positioning their stories as both a source of hope and a call to action in the fight against climate change. #photographycompetition #climatechange2024 #ClimateAction Oxfam International Oxfam in Asia Oxfam Hong Kong #AJTL

From September 19-21, 2024, the ASEAN Civil Society Conference / #ASEAN People Forum (#ACSC/#APF) 2024 was held at ESTV-GTI Becora, Timor-Leste, under the theme "Towards a People-Led Democracy and Sovereignty in Southeast Asia." The ACSC/APF is the largest gathering of civil society organizations in Southeast Asia. Established in 2004, it has become a vital platform for regional civil society to raise concerns, advocate for transformative change, and promote a more just and democratic Southeast Asia. This year's conference addressed critical thematic issues, including working people and neoliberalism, state violence and democracy, tech monopoly and digital authoritarianism, ecological crises and environmental rights, minority and gender justice, and peacebuilding and transitional justice. Oxfam in Timor-Leste also contributed by participating in this regional event and moderating several side events with partners such as Rede ba Rai and Jurista Advocasia. These partners presented on land evictions and women’s land rights in Timor-Leste, showcasing ongoing efforts to secure and protect community rights over land and natural resources. #LandRights #womenrights #landandwomen Oxfam Oxfam International Oxfam in Asia Oxfam Australia #OxfamInternational #oxfamaustralia #AsianPeopleForum #APF2024 #ACSC2024 #RedebaRai #JuristaAdvocasia

Oxfam in Timor-Leste Celebrates Ra'es Hadomi Timor-Oan's 18th Anniversary at the Noble Palace-Lahane Recently, Oxfam in Timor-Leste participated in a GALA DINNER organized by Ra'es Hadomi Timor-Oan (RHTO). The event, themed "No One Left Behind," celebrated the 18th anniversary of RHTO and the 25th anniversary of the popular consultation day in Timor-Leste. The objective of the GALA DINNER was to raise funds for people with disabilities identified by RHTO in RAEOA OE-CUSSE who are in need of assistance. During the event, RHTO and its partners also hosted a small expo showcasing products they produce, such as aeroponic produces, three-wheeled motorcycles, sewing, and paintings, all of which were available for purchase at the GALA Dinner event. The event saw significant participation from various institutions, including the National Parliament, represented by H.E. Ms. Maria Fernanda Lay, the Prime Minister's Office, the Presidential Palace, the Human Rights Ombudsman, the F-FDTL Institution, the Australian Embassy, international agencies, organizations supporting people with disabilities, civil society organizations, and the media. Oxfam congratulates RHTO on this special occasion and hopes that the GALA DINNER will result in meaningful support for people with disabilities, with the help of the government and RHTO's partners. #CongratulationsRHTO #DisabilityInclusioninTL #DontLeaveAnyoneBehind Oxfam in Asia Oxfam International Oxfam Australia

Oxfam in Timor-Leste is recruiting! Oxfam in Timor-Leste is looking for Consultant for Research on Women’s Experience of Climate Change Impacts in Timor-Leste. To apply for this vacancy please send your application to our recruitment inbox and clearly stating the vacancy title in the subject of the email. Access the ToR here: https://lnkd.in/e3Wshifh Expressions of Interest are due by 18 September 2024, at 5 p.m. Timor-Leste Time.