TIMOR-LESTE:NEW AUSTRALIAN AID PACKAGE TARGETS THE JUSTICE SECTOR

Demonstrating a continued strong commitment to long-term development needs and improved rule of law in Timor-Leste, the Australian Government has announced an AUD$2.5 million dollar contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The signing ceremony involving the AusAID Development Cooperation Counsellor, Robin Scott-Charlton, and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Finn Reske-Nielsen was conducted 19 December at the office of the Resident Representative in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The rule of law is a key pillar of democratic governance. Effective rule of law is, however, dependent on the key institutions – courts, prosecution service, Justice Ministry – having the adequate skills, systems, and resources to do their job effectively, and in order to follow-up on the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report .
UNDP and the Council of Coordination in the Justice Sector have been working closely through the “Justice System Programme” to boost institutional capacity in the Ministry of Justice, the courts and the prosecution service for administration of justice. The programme is currently implemented with support from Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Portugal and technical cooperation from Brazil.
With the pledge of AUD$ 2.5 million – AUD$ 2 million for the prison sector and AUD$ 500,000 through AusAID, for additional international technical assistance for the courts, prosecution and public defense, Australia becomes the first country to contribute funds, after UNDP and the Council of Coordination requested additional support for the justice sector in June and September 2006 to handle the additional caseload arising from the current crisis.
“This support is crucial at a time when the national justice institutions are under extreme pressure due to increased backlog in light of recent events. We thank Australia for this precious contribution and hope that other partners will follow suit in increasing their assistance, as an effective judicial system will be vital for the stability of the country,” said the (DSRSG) and UNDP Resident Representative, Finn Reske-Nielsen.
“Effective and efficient judicial and criminal systems are crucial to consolidate the rule of law and ultimately for sustainable human development. With this contribution we reinforce Australia's commitment to the justice sector, this time aiming at improving prison services capacity and supporting the courts in delivering justice to the people,” said Robin Scott-Charlton.
Cognizant that the rule of law and recognition of human rights remain central to effective peace building and to sustainable development UNDP, the UN’s leading development agency has a wealth of experience in supporting the justice sector in many developing countries.