rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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Other programs
A key multi-lateral intervention is the United
Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste
(UNMIT). Significant for this analysis is the
role this mission plays in supporting the justice
sector. This includes the Administration
of Justice Section Unit, which undertook
alcohol awareness workshops with prison
staff and prisoners in 2008. 770
In July 2006 UNICEF provided a life skills
program for displaced youth as part of an
anti-violence campaign, which included
HIV prevention messages, along with those
highlighting awareness of drug and alcohol
issues. These youth were identified as particularly
vulnerable as there is little in the way
of day-time entertainment. 771 It is not clear if
subsequent activities have been implemented
to address these structural issues.
With funding from the Japanese Special
Fund, the Asian Development Bank is implementing
the third phase of a program titled
Capacity Building to Strengthen Public Sector
Management and Governance Skills. 772
While there are no specific activities targeted
at the health services or law enforcement
sectors under this program, institutional
strengthening contributes to overall capacity
to respond to such issues.
13.8 Gaps analysis
Since the 2004–05 situational analysis, it is
clear that there is increasing awareness of
the impact of substance use in Timor-Leste.
In response to this issue, local NGOs initially
focused on mental health; in particular,
post-conflict stress issues have incorporated
alcohol and other drug awareness training
activities as part of their programs. This is
neither systematic nor coordinated at the
national level. However, the NGO PRADET
has recently undertaken to work with both
health and law enforcement professionals,
and is advocating for further program funding
to expand its work.
It is not clear if Timor-Leste is at an advantage
or disadvantage as a result of not being
part of the Pacific regional coordinating
mechanisms and bodies. There is scope to
undertake an analysis of the potential benefits
and challenges of participation in these
groups with specific reference to managing
substance use issues.
770 UNMIT administration of justice. UNMIT Weekly, no.73, 12 January 2009, p.1.
Available at: (accessed online May 2009).
771 B. See (2006), Life-skills training for young people displaced by violence in Timor-Leste. UNICEF
Newsline, 12 July 2006. Available at: (accessed April 2009).
772 Asian Development Bank (2008), Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: Capacity Building to
Strengthen Public Sector Management and Governance Skills, Phase III, ADB Technical Assistance
Report. Manila: ADB (accessed February 2009).