 | | | At the request of the Government of Timor-Leste, United Nations Security Council resolution 1704 established the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). Intended to last for an initial period of six months, with the intention to renew for further periods, UNMIT will be manned with 1,608 police personnel and up to 34 military liaison and staff officers. UNMIT succeeds UNOTIL, consequence of the violent and tragic events happening early this year (April and May) when PNTL and F-FDTL members were involved in a bloody confrontation which, among other consequences, resulted in the collapse of PNTL mostly in Dili and subsequently the break down of public law and order.
UNMIT's mandate, detailed in resolution 1704, comprehends law enforcement executive power for UNPOL officers, same is to say that until the resettlement of PNTL is completed UNPOL officers are invested with the authority to grant law and order in Timor-Leste. The Formed Police Units (FPU) are also and important part of UNMIT's presence. There are three contributing countries at present: Bangladesh, Malaysia and Portugal. These units have been providing quick response to serious breaks of law and order.
Despite still being at an early stage, UNPOL's presence is now visible in the country's capital, Dili. The deployment of UNPOL officers to all the satellite districts is also ongoing. The aim is to widen the sphere of influence as quickly as possible so that tranquillity is restored and inhabitants trust in the police is strengthened. Furthermore, the overall goal of UNMIT goes far beyond law enforcement. As important as restoring law and order in Timor-Leste, is the effort being made on creating the conditions for the rapid resettlement of local police (PNTL), so that law enforcement duties are soon carried out by Timor-Leste nationals. Emphasis is being placed on the urgent need for professional and cooperative public institutions, mainly those with direct interference on citizen's welfare.
Following this line of thought, a screening process was initiated in September this year for the readmission of PNTL officers to regular duties. It is the outcome of UNMIT and the Timor-Leste government debate, and is being conducted by UNPOL with the close follow-up of the Timor-Leste government (Ministry of Interior). At this point, it is only taking place in Dili where the collapse of PNTL was more devastating, but it is projected for the Districts as well.
The quick resettlement of PNTL and the deployment of UNPOL to the Districts are strongly endevoured not only given the urgent need for the reestablishment of a peaceful environment for citizens to live in, but also due to the upcoming elections, expected to take place in early 2007. These will be the first elections after independence and that alone demands special attention to grant a safe environment crucial for free and fair elections.
UN Police Documents
Arrangement on the restoration and maintenance of public security in Timor-Leste and on Assistance to the reform, restructuring and rebuilding of the Timorese National Police (PNTL) and the Ministry of Interior supplemental to the Agreement between the United Nations and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the status of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) -
English Version
Tetum Version
The Blue Badge - UNPol Newsletter (October 2006)
UNPol Poster launching the 112 emergency hotline telephone number (Tetum)
Poster encouraging the public to contact UNPol (Tetum)
UNPol poster explaining the screening process for PNTL officers (Tetum)
UNPol map highlighting locations of Police Stations and Police Posts in Dili (Tetum)
Poster on Human Trafficking (Tetum)
| |