Located in one of the poorest regions in the world, Timor-Leste had faced enormous development challenges even before this crisis. It remains the poorest country in Asia.

Independence was finally gained in May 2002. Security was established in most of Timor-Leste and the majority of the 250,000 Timorese who fled during 1999 were able to return.

In April 2006, violence flared up again among military, police and armed gangs, following demonstrations by former soldiers from the west of the country claiming unfair dismissal. The fighting began outside Dili, but soon spread to the capital and resulted in chaos, bloodshed and the displacement of 150,000 people.

Following the June 2007 parliamentary elections and the announcement of the new government, the already fragile security situation deteriorated rapidly, with increases in displaced populations. Although the situation is gradually improving, violence continues to be sporadic and there remains widespread fear amongst the civilian population.

ActionAid in Timor-Leste

ActionAid Australia has been working in Timor-Leste since 1981 - operating under the Austcare banner up until 2009.

Our work aims to increase food security, improve access to education and promote peace building and good governance for displaced people in Dili and the district of Bobonaro.

Working with Geneva-based partner Small Arms Survey, ActionAid is conducting the Timor Leste Armed Violence Assessment - a baseline assessment of armed violence in Timor-Leste funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid program, AusAID.

The assessment will produce a series of recommendations, in the form of reports and briefing papers, for the Timor Leste government and international agencies.

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