Fundasaun Mahein (FM), 29 January 2015
Press Release
Thematic Issues of the Security Sector in 2014
“Current Responses and Upcoming Challenges”
The National Development Plan (PEDN) and the strategic program of the 5th Constitutional Government explain that the government will ensure national security by developing the state institutions relating to defense and security. In this effort, the national government has faced challenges in professionalizing and managing the personnel of police and military institutions, but it remains committed to developing these institutions to fortify national security.
Fundasaun Mahein (FM), which examines defense and security issues in Timor-Leste, has contributed to national stability throughout 2014 by providing thorough analysis of the struggles and successes of security-sector development over the course of the year.
A repeated subject of interest in FM’s reporting this year has been the budget execution process of defense and security institutions. FM has expressed its concern with the lack of transparency and oversight in this process. Of particular concern this year was the single-source procurement system used in purchasing weapons and developing PNTL infrastructure.
Another challenge in 2014 was defining the legal and operational roles of the PNTL. FM investigated the institutional policy of the PNTL then supported the transition toward more community-centered policing. The community policing initiative has the potential to increase cooperation and trust between citizens and security personnel.
Also discussed this year was the PNTL upper-level promotion system. FM criticized the irregularity of the promotion process, one which led many disgruntled PNTL members to petition and threaten their departure from the institution. The promotion system, these personnel said, is not fair and credible.
FM also monitored disciplinary and behavioral issues within the military and police. Many national and international organizations have criticized these security institutions for their lack of discipline. Some members of the military and police have deliberately disobeyed the law, and these violations are damaging the prestige of security institutions across Timor-Leste.
Another issue is the security situation along the border territory of Timor-Leste. This topic was examined in detail by FM in 2014. The fragile security system and regional arguments (such as land disputes) at the border present clear threats to state sovereignty. Integrated security posts at the border are lacking in human resources, facilities, and equipment. These shortages greatly reduce the efficacy of security posts along the border.
Discussions this year also revolved around organized crime in Timor-Leste. Evidence gathered this year suggests that drugs still exist in Timor-Leste, and the presence of these drugs is becoming a threat.
FM also brought attention and concern to organized crime in a report published in September 2014. Fundasaun Mahein suggested that the shortcomings of the security sector have left Timor-Leste vulnerable to organized crime operations. This report examined the issues of drug trafficking, falsification of documents, mafia activities, money counterfeiting, money laundering, and transnational organized crimes, such as terrorism.
Another security concern raised by FM was the formation of civil institutions with weapons. Two such institutions were the Commission of Anti-Corruption (CAC) and the Scientific Police of Criminal Investigation (SPCI). The SPCI is the superior police corps, and the CAC is a branch of the special criminal police.
FM appreciates the positive strides made by the government this year in both budget policy and legislation. In response to challenges and threats to security, the government has been hard at work. In 2014, we witnessed disciplinary reform for F-FDTL and PNTL members, fortification the border security, clarification of institutional roles, increased in transparency, increased accountability, and legislation that directly combats drug trafficking and human trafficking in Timor-Leste.
Recommendations
1. National Parliament Committee B should perform an evaluation of security-sector budget execution in 2014, in order to ensure sustainable developments in defense and security in Timor-Leste.
2. The Ministry of Defense and Security should fortify infrastructure and human resources along the border territory. The MDS should also help establish an ‘online database’ that would greatly assist the Migration Services Department in its activities.
3. The Ministry of Defense and Security should review the studies and recommendations of civil society organizations, especially those that have analyzed the successes and shortcomings of security-sector development.
4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation should, as soon as possible, resolve the land disputes along the border with Indonesia, in order to ensure greater security in the border territory.
5. The PNTL should collaborate with local authorities and community members in the effort to combat organized crime in Timor-Leste.
For more details, please see the following:
(CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT)
Nélson Belo
Executive Director of FM
Web: www.fundasaunmahein.org
E-mail: direktor.mahein@gmail.com
Phone (+670) 7737-4222 or (+670) 77561184
