UN provides $4.1 million as new project on human security is launched

24 Feb 2010

UN provides $4.1 million as new project on human security is launched

Dili, 25 February 2010 - Continuing its support to Timor-Leste, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) has approved the financing of a new, three-year $4.1 million joint programme to strengthen human security in Timor-Leste and help Government efforts in the attainmen of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The UNTFHS is funded by the governments of Japan, Slovenia and Thailand.

The project entitled Community Mobilization for Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion in Service Delivery (COMPASIS) will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Development of Timor-Leste.

Addressing a ceremony held in his office on 25 February 2010 to formally mark the launch of the project, the Minister for Economy and Development Mr. Joao Mendes Goncalves hailed the "strong partnership" between the UN and the Government, saying that the new joint project is a reflection of the "UN family's continuing commitment to sustainable development in Timor-Leste." The minister described the establishment of the COMPASIS project as timely and in line with the National Priorities. "Meeting the needs of the vulnerable in the country remains a big challenge and therefore support from our partners and donors is very welcome."

In his remarks, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Finn Reske-Nielsen highlighted the significance of the integrated UN approach in supporting the Government to meet its myriad socio-economic challenges. "This joint project to be implemented by 6 UN agencies based in the country demonstrates yet again the increasing synergy between the various UN bodies in Timor-Leste," Finn Reske-Nielsen said, adding that COMPASIS aims at fostering inclusive growth in Timor-Leste and serving as a catalyst for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a strategic UN policy priority.

The project will target the most vulnerable groups such as small-scale farmers, widows,
unemployed youth, returning IDPs, children, and food insecure people living in Ermera and Oecusse, which are two of the poorest districts in the country. The COMPASIS project will use proven approaches to community mobilisation and social inclusion—like self help groups— to build trust within the community and social capital for local development. By involving communities in decision-making at the local level, the programme will build communities and empower people.

For more information please contact: Katherine Lester, Project Officer, Poverty Reduction and Environment Unit, UNDP Timor-Leste: katherine.lester@undp.org