DILI, 08 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The European Union (EU), together with international and national civil society organisations (CSOs), has launched three new projects to strengthen good governance and development in Timor-Leste. CSO partners include CARE, OXFAM, and PLAN International, A-HAK, Caucus, FOKUPERS, FONGTIL, KSI, and MDI. These initiatives aim to empower CSOs to lead civil society actions, strengthen their capacity to serve vulnerable communities, and help them monitor the implementation of public policy.
EU funding for the initiatives is EUR 2,265,717 (about USD 2.6mln), with the international CSOs adding an additional EUR 183,598 (about USD 225,000). The nine CSOs directly involved will work with a variety of local actors, including through the allocation of some EUR 355,000 (about USD 415,000) in smaller grants to CSO networks, CSOs, youth groups, community-based groups and other grassroots actors.
EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste Thorsten Bargfrede said: “The EU and Timor-Leste share a commitment to an open civic space because civil society’s monitoring and advocacy are vital to open societies like ours. We are proud to partner with this broad civil society coalition on improving development performance and accountability.”
The project of CARE Nederland, Asosiasaun Hukum, hak Asasi & Keadilan (A-HAK), and Forum Komunikasi Untuk Perempuan Timor Lorosae (FOKUPERS) is titled Strengthened Local Civil Society Organizations for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Human Rights and Gender Equality in Timor-Leste. This project will work to boost CSO leadership, sustainability, and advocacy with tailored support, while empowering women, youth, and GBV survivors as change agents. On behalf of the project Mr Peter Goodfellow, Country Director of CARE in Timor-Leste, stated: “CARE is looking forward to actively collaborating with civil society and government partners so that by the end of the project they will be more networked, more trusted, more capable, and more visible within the national civic space. The action reflects CARE’s commitment to locally-led development in Timor-Leste by embedding organizational development into daily operations, institutionalizing learning, and creating inclusive platforms that amplify community voices at all levels.”
Oxfam Australia, Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute (KSI), and Mata Dalan Institute (MDI) are set to implement the project Strengthening Civil Society to Promote Good Governance in Timor-Leste. Their focus is on good governance of land and immoveable property, working through the Rede Ba Rai (Land Network) and its member CSOs representing women, youth, and PWDs on land rights including titling and tenure, displacement and eviction, etc. Said Mr Pankaj Anand, Country Director of Oxfam in Timor-Leste (OiTL) on behalf of the project.: “This project marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward inclusive development and good governance in Timor-Leste. Through this EU-supported initiative we are empowering civil society actors, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities, to actively shape land policy and secure tenure rights. By strengthening networks like Rede ba Rai and fostering constructive engagement with government, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient future for all Timorese citizens. OiTL’s recognized role as a thought leader in influencing and partnerships enables us to shape policy discourse, foster strategic collaborations, and contribute to local leadership, ensuring our work remains aligned with national priorities of Timor-Leste.”
Plan International Sweden is teaming up with Fundação Caucus Feto Iha Polítika (Caucus) and Forum ONG Timor-Leste (FONGTIL) in the project Haforsa CSOs ba Diversidade: Strengthening Civil Society Leadership for Improved Governance and Sustainable Development in Timor-Leste. Their project focuses on working with women, youth, and vulnerable groups including LGBTIQ+ and people with disabilities (PWDs), to support their work for accountability, freedom of expression, and inclusive development. Consortium representative Mrs Fatima Estrela Soares, Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste stated: “This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to empower women, youth, and vulnerable communities, including LGBTIQ+ persons and people with disabilities. By supporting civil society actors to lead and influence, we aim to foster inclusive, participatory governance and contribute to sustainable development that benefits all people in Timor-Leste.”
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