Dili, 26 December 2006 – United Nations police in Dili have arrested one suspect on charges of rape and sexual abuse, following a month long investigation into the crimes which took place in October and November. The arrest was made yesterday afternoon in the vicinity of the Vila Verde area in Dili.

UNPol Spokesperson Monica Rodrigues stated that "the manner in which all three cases of rape were executed have been very similar. UNPol investigators have traced the activities of the suspect and have examined all the facts, thus leading to the arrest".

UNPol attached to the national Vulnerable Person Unit (VPU) are experienced police officers dealing with complaints, investigations and sensitive cases of rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The national VPU team collaborates closely with the Division of Social Services of the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion in handling such sensitive cases as well as in ensuring the welfare of victims. With the increase of UNPol deployments to all the districts in the country, district VPU units will also be established to ensure that support mechanisms are in place for victims of such acts.

UNPol Police Commissioner Tor states that the deployment of UN police officers, to complement PNTL already assigned in the districts, and their work within Dili, is important to ensure the overall security of the people of Timor-Leste. "We are committed to train, motivate, mentor and improve the work and delivery of police services by the national police in the country. Members of public should feel free to approach the officers in time of need".

With the establishment of the VPU units in the districts, and the continued operation of the national VPU office in Dili, UNPol assures all victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault that reported cases at the various police stations and posts in the city and in the districts are handled in confidentiality.

For additional information, please contact:
Monica Rodrigues, Spokesperson, UNPol – tel: +670 733 1650
Laila Shamji, UNMIT Public Information Office – tel: +670 728 5787