In April and May 2006, renewed violence in erupted in Dili leading to displaced, food shortages, and insecurity An estimated over 100,000 IDPs (10% of Timor-Leste’s population) remain displaced throughout the country.  Approximately 70,000 are staying with host families in the districts, and between 29-35,000 are in IDP camps in Dili and Baucau. It is expected that the majority of IDPs will remain displaced in the coming months given the: genuine fear amongst members of the community; the ongoing tensions in the security situation; short falls in transitional and temporary housing options; and complex land ownership issues that prevent permanent relocation. The delay in the onset of the rainy season combined with rice shortages could cause food insecurity until May 2008.

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CERF allocates US$ 200,000 for the provision of emergency telecommunications services to the humanitarian community in Timor-Leste

Tensions in Timor Leste escalated recently due to political differences and the various factions within the country. Recent elections led to numerous disturbances and security incidents and without a clear government mandate the situation remains fragile.

The continued insecurity and the lack of proper communication tools results in difficult and hazardous working conditions. The increase in violence and security incidents underlines the importance of a reliable common security telecommunication system. In line with the elevated UN security phase, UN Agencies are required to meet the UN security standards to ensure safe operations throughout Timor Leste. Field missions must be monitored and tracked for the safety and security of United Nations staff.

Humanitarian agencies require better telecommunications to help those in need [Photo: WFP]

The World Food Programme (WFP) project will address UN Agencies’ communication needs given the security situation. The project will upgrade the existing network to expand coverage, install new security telecommunications facilities and establish independent communication mechanisms and other standard operating procedures in accordance to UN requirements. By the end of the project, WFP expects that UN agencies on the ground will have the following: a 24/7 operational radio room (fully equipped, staffed, and trained); VHF repeater network for UN agencies, their implementing partners and participating NGOs; VHF and HF network and frequency management; and vehicle and staff movement tracking. With the improvements in telecommunications, UN agencies will provide improved humanitarian assistance in Timor-Leste.

[Last update: 27 December 2007]

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 CERF supports efforts to control a locust oubreak in Timor-Leste

14 June 2007: Food insecurity represents one of the most critical humanitarian concerns in Timor-Leste. The locust outbreak in early 2007 has aggravated the situation.

Locust outbreak in Timor-Leste [Photo: FAO]

Since the beginning of February, locusts have been invading critical crops in Bobonaro and Ermera districts.

In late March, some 1,059 ha of cropland was infested and 4,459 ha of crops were affected. A mission, conducted jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), noted that some 4,500 households were facing food insecurity. In addition, 80% of the maize harvest and 70% of rice seedlings for the next crop were destroyed.

A follow-up FAO/MAFF survey during May revealed that the number of households to have suffered crop losses has risen to 7,500.

The locust infestation has been expanding southwards to the district of Covalima and is now risking to affect 20,000 ha of rice cultivation areas in all western districts.

With 50,000 rice-farming households, Bobonaro and Covalima provide 25% of the national rice crops. 15,000 farmers in Ermera disctrict could also suffer from rice crop failure– especially as weather conditions are very favourable to the locusts’ reproduction.

In addition, if the spread is not halted, locusts could affect the next maize-planting season in October 2007, and destroy key pasture areas leading to the death of animals.

With an initial CERF grant of $626,000 in April 2007, FAO has provided technical and operational assistance to the MAFF for critical locust control and monitoring operations. In addition, the agency is supplying urgently needed pesticide, ULV sprayers and other key equipment as well as training to control the infestation to further spread.

The additional May CERF grant of $465,000 is allowing for more flying hours as the budget for the aerial campaign had to be adjusted, not least because the area to be controlled has been expanded.

Locust spraying in Timor-Leste [Photo: OCHA]

[Last update: 14 June 2007]

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Click here for CERF in Timor-Leste 2006
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