Partnership beyond projects: the importance of local ownership and trust

Interpeace et le Centre d'études pour la paix et le développement (CEPAD) have worked together since 2007, supporting peacebuilding processes in Timor-Leste. Our partnership began in response to the violent political crisis of 2006, which revealed the challenges of a young nation adopting a new system of state structures. Throughout the years, we used Participatory Action Research (PAR) and piloted innovative approaches to assessing local resilience (Frameworks for Assessing Resilience) to help break cycles of violence and create a safe environment for the Timorese. This work enabled bottom up and locally owned solutions to be formulated, to identify and address local grievances in a non-violent and sustainable manner. CEPAD is now considered a “go-to” organization for peace and development challenges, and is recognized for promoting inclusive democracy by providing safe spaces for community dialogue.

In 2019, a case study of Interpeace’s long-standing partnership with CEPAD was developed as part of the Stopping As Success (SAS) initiative – a collaborative learning project that aims to study and provide guidelines on how to ensure locally led development and peacebuilding. The SAS initiative touches on many of the core principles Interpeace was founded on – local ownership, long term commitment, process-oriented work and the primacy of trust as a keystone to peace. ‘Success’ in locally led peacebuilding work can be defined in many ways, and an organizational or programmatic exit of an INGO or International Organization in lieu of successful and sustainable local organizations is one important indicator. However, a larger understanding of ‘success’ in locally owned peacebuilding ought to ultimately be about whether the broader social contract is moving towards peace. As peacebuilders, Interpeace and our partners always aim toward that ultimate goal.

In order to achieve sustainable peacebuilding processes that reinforce a peaceful social contract we have long known local ownership and not internationally driven approaches is key. While this has long been recognized, operationalizing local ownership of peacebuilding remains an ongoing challenge. That is why the SAS case study ,“Centre of Studies for Peace and Development (CEPAD) and Interpeace: A partnership transition in Timor-Leste”, is an instructive example of the practical steps international actors can take to support the  efforts of a locally led organization developing locally owned and inclusive peacebuilding solutions.

 

CEPAD Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner 2009

CEPAD Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner 2009

 

Fostering local ownership through sustainable partnerships  

For over 25 years, Interpeace’s approach has made sure that local people are at the heart of building peace. We believe that peace must be built from within societies and not imposed from the outside. Therefore, from the outset of our partnership with CEPAD, we put our trust in our partners local teams  to lead the strategic management and implementation of project activities. Interpeace provided ongoing technical , financial and capacity-building support to CEPAD, since its creation in 2007. However, in 2015, Interpeace began a process to phase out its financial support to remain engaged with CEPAD solely in an advisory capacity.  While Interpeace provided financial and technical support as well as supported the development, implementation and evaluation of projects, delivered ongoing training to CEPAD staff, CEPAD was in the driver’s seat.

A CEPAD staff member mentioned, “Interpeace stopped the funds in 2016 but the relationship continued. Whenever we have any difficulties, we contact Interpeace and get their ideas and comments on our work and situations that we are facing.”

The case study developed by SAS captures how Interpeace’s approach – working with local partners and committing to long-term engagement – is critical to ensure sustainable peacebuilding efforts. It highlights that the trust that was built during almost a decade between Interpeace-CEPAD, helped both organizations as Interpeace transitioned away from providing financial support.

A number of key lessons were also mentioned by the case study: a.) strong leadership is an important factor when creating and sustaining an NGO that can operate successfully when financial support from an INGO partner ends; b.) adopting bottom-up, locally led models from the outset – as opposed to time-bound, top-down projects – contributes to a more sustainable transition process; and c.) it is possible for INGOs to find creative ways of continuing to support locally led organizations and initiatives after transitions have concluded.

CEPAD Timor Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner 2009

CEPAD Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner 2009

Read the full case study or 2-page summary

Read here for more on why local ownership is important for peace and for brief examples of tools and approaches to enable local leadership and ownership.

Promouvoir la bonne gouvernance à travers des activités d’éducation civique préventive pour lutter contre la corruption au Timor-Leste

Lutter contre la corruption dans le contexte timorais nécessite une stratégie à plusieurs volets pour sensibiliser la communauté générale au problème et établir une pression publique pour rendre les agents publics plus responsables de leurs actes et envers le public. Cette initiative, mise en œuvre par le CEPAD au cours de la période 2018-2021, se concentre sur deux objectifs spécifiques : 1) les fonctionnaires agissent conformément aux lois, règles, institutions et éthiques dans la prévention et la lutte contre le KKN et 2) les citoyens s'assurent de leurs droits d'accès à l'information publique et de prévention et d'atténuation du KKN.

L'initiative rassemble des activités d'éducation civique et d'information du public auprès du public timorais et des fonctionnaires de divers ministères, notamment le ministère de l'éducation, le ministère de la santé, le ministère de l'agriculture et de la pêche, le ministère des travaux publics, le ministère de l'administration d'état, le ministère de la solidarité sociale et l'autorité douanière relevant du ministère des finances. Les principales activités de l'initiative portent sur la production d'un manuel de formation sur la prévention de la corruption dans le secteur public, des dialogues interactifs avec les fonctionnaires, une campagne médiatique à l'échelle nationale et des activités de sensibilisation au niveau communautaire, ainsi que le lancement d'un groupe consultatif pour soutenir les efforts de plaidoyer en faveur de la lutte contre la corruption au niveau national.

L'initiative vise à promouvoir et à inspirer une plus grande valeur éthique et un plus grand engagement en faveur des efforts anti-corruption dans l'ensemble de la société, aboutissant à terme à une plus grande responsabilité et transparence au sein du secteur public.

Training journalists and editors in investigative journalism

In 2018, 26 people were trained on critical thinking and ethical, objective approaches to investigative reporting, to enhance their understanding of ways in which the media can address and report on issues concerning common forms of corruption. A training module on investigative journalism was developed and distributed to all media institutions for future reference. The intervention has a broader impact since media and journalism play a critical watchdog role in society, anchoring and deepening democracy.

Timor-Leste

Le Timor-Leste, l’une des plus jeunes démocraties au monde, a été confronté à de nombreux défis dans son cheminement vers la construction d’une paix durable. Reconnu comme pays indépendant en mai 2002, il a dû faire face à une série de crises politiques, de violence, de chômage et de conflits fonciers. Bien qu’ils soient riches en ressources naturelles, les bénéfices de la croissance économique n’ont pas été répercutés de manière égale sur les Timorais ordinaires en raison de la mauvaise gestion des fonds publics et des niveaux élevés de corruption.Néanmoins, d’importantes avancées ont été observées ces dernières années, notamment une baisse significative des taux de mortalité infantile et l'organisation d’élections pacifiques. Ces réalisations ont toutefois été éclipsées par les conséquences de décennies de troubles sociaux qui continuent d’entraver les perspectives globales de la population timoraise.

Interpeace et le Centre d'études pour la paix et le développement (CEPAD) travaillent ensemble depuis 2007 pour soutenir les processus de consolidation de la paix au Timor-Leste. Ce partenariat a débuté en réponse à la violente crise politique de 2006 qui a révélé la fragilité d'une jeune nation et les défis liés à la constitution d'un État et à la consolidation d'une paix durable. Au fil des années, Interpeace et CEPAD ont utilisé la recherche-action participative (PAR) pour aider à briser les cycles de violence et à établir un environnement sûr dans lequel les Timorais peuvent identifier et résoudre les problèmes prioritaires de manière non violente et durable. La corruption, la collusion et le népotisme, connus localement sous le nom de « KKN », ont été considérés comme l’un des quatre obstacles les plus sérieux à une paix et un développement durables par plus de 1000 citoyens consultés lors des recherches menées à l’échelle nationale par le CEPAD entre 2007 et 2009.

Après des années d’engagement soutenu à tous les niveaux de la société, le CEPAD s’est bâti une solide réputation et un historique en matière de lutte contre le KKN et de promotion d’une démocratie inclusive. Il a signé des protocoles d'accord (MoU) avec cinq institutions clés de l'État contre la corruption, dont la Commission anti-corruption (KAK), l'Institution nationale des droits de l'homme (PDHJ) et le ministère public (la première et la seule organisation de la société civile à le faire).

Stepping stone to build sustainable peace in Timor-Leste – Launch of anti-corruption manual

Interpeace and the Centre of Studies for Peace and Development (CEPAD) have been working together since 2007, supporting peacebuilding processes in Timor-Leste. This initiative began in response to the violent political crisis of 2006 which revealed the fragility of a young nation and the challenges of adopting a new system of state structures, while healing past wounds.

Interpeace and CEPAD have used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to help break cycles of violence and create a safe environment where the Timorese can identify and address priority issues in a non-violent and sustainable manner. After years of sustained engagement at all levels of society, CEPAD is now considered the “go-to” organization for anti-corruption and is recognized for promoting inclusive democracy by providing safe spaces for community dialogue.

On 26 October 2018, CEPAD launched a new website et Anti-Corruption Training Manual for public officials. President of Timor-Leste, Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”, inaugurated the event celebrating CEPAD’s achievements and acknowledging the importance of fighting corruption in the country: “Corruption creates obstacles to peace and development, it’s critically important that we work to eradicate and reduce it. If we do nothing or if we close our eyes and not report it, because the person who is corrupt, is a family member or a friend, or because we ourselves want to withdraw some benefit, this disease will continue to spread and annihilate our dignity as human beings and as nation.”

The Anti-Corruption Training Manual was developed in consultation with members of CEPAD’s National Advisory Group consisting of seven line ministries including key state anti-corruption institutions to help increase public servant’s knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of state anti-corruption institutions and UNCAC Convention with practical guidelines for public servants to prevent and address corruption in the public sector. It provides information about the types of corruption, the impact of corruption in the country and the responsibility of key anti-corruption institutions. It complements a manual launched earlier on citizens’ rights to information. In this regard, the two manuals cover two important aspects to fight corruption: providing citizens with the knowledge about their rights to request and obtain information, and the duty and responsibility of public officials to provide this information properly. “Every citizen should know his rights well and know how to have access to the public services that the State of Timor-Leste makes available today and, in the future,” expressed President Guterres “Lú-Olo”.

Nation-wide consultation process

Our first initiative, the Programme of Research and Dialogue for Peace (PRDP), developed from 2007 – 2009, was a nation-wide consultation process, implemented to identify peace related needs and concerns throughout the 13 districts of Timor-Leste. Over 900 people from all sectors and levels of society participated in this research, which ultimately identified the main obstacles to lasting peace in the country:  a.) the ineffective formal judicial system and the culture of impunity; b.) the promotion of individual and party interests over the national interest; c.) the need for a common narrative of the history of the resistance and the occupation, and; d.) corruption, collusion and nepotism.  These research findings helped set the national peacebuilding agenda.

As a result of this consultation process, “Peace Houses” were established by CEPAD to provide safe spaces for residents to meet peacefully and resolve differences.  This initiative has helped lay the foundations for lasting peace within and between communities. Currently CEPAD manages six Peace Houses throughout Timor-Leste.

 

Understanding resilience as defined by the population

In 2014, Interpeace and CEPAD worked on the Frameworks for Assessing Resilience (FAR) programme to develop tools that would help deepen the understanding of resilience as defined by the population. The project focused on identifying the positive capacities that contribute to resilience, rather than the sources of fragility of a country affected by violence. In Timor-Leste a broad cross-section of people from different sectors of society participated in this project, including: government officials, security forces, religious representatives, political parties, women, and youth groups, from different regions. Through the findings of this research, recommendations and actions plans were developed to understand what resilience for peace looks like and how it can be strengthened in Timor-Leste.

We are proud to continue working with CEPAD fostering inclusion and long-term social empowerment.

To learn more about the work developed in Timor-Leste, visit their newly launched website, which contains publications, manuals, videos, news, reports and more.

 

Tackling root causes of conflict in Timor-Leste: CEPAD launches Strategic Review to address food security issues

Timor-Leste, one of the youngest democracies in the world, has faced numerous challenges in its journey to build sustainable peace. Recognized as an independent country fifteen years ago, in May 2002, it has faced serious political crises, violence, unemployment, and land disputes. Despite these problems, the Timorese have reached important achievements in the past five years: growth in their economy, a decrease in child mortality rates and peaceful elections.  However, the Timorese are still faced with the consequences of decades of social turmoil and one of the biggest challenges that remain are food security issues. On May 30, 2017, the Centre d'études pour la paix et le développement (CEPAD) in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, successfully launched a report called, “Timor-Leste Strategic Review: Progress and Success in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2”, which addresses the need to improve nutritional outcomes in the country.

Research has shown that there is a clear link between conflict and food security issues. Tackling the root causes of conflict in fragile countries therefore involves addressing these challenges. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has made food security a priority and Sustainable Development Goal 2 seeks to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.”

A Couple in Oecusse, Timor-Leste. Photo credit: WFP Camila Urbina-Escobar

Timor-Leste is one of the countries with the highest rates of chronic undernutrition in the world.  Children and women are the most at risk of malnutrition. In 2013, 38% of children were underweight, and more than half of the nation’s children under five years old are stunted in bodies and brains. In the same year, 24.8% of women between 15-49 years old were underweight and 40% were anemic. Between 2013 and 2015, 26.9% of the country’s population experienced hunger. Moreover, Timor-Leste’s agriculture system does not produce enough food to feed the population. Factors that are contributing to this problem are unsustainable methods, poor soil fertility, land ownership issues, and farmer’s low motivation due to low profits. Additionally, the Timorese are experiencing the effects of climate change including higher temperatures and longer dry seasons.

Through the support of former President Ramos-Horta and the Bishop of Dili, a Strategic Review was undertaken by our local partner in Timor-Leste, the Centre of Studies for Peace and Development (CEPAD) and Johns Hopkins University, to determine what needs to be done to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2). The Strategic Review portrays the nutrition challenges in Timor-Leste and is a mechanism that can help the government set priorities in the actions and policies implemented in the country to achieve SDG2. Moreover, it can help stakeholders develop programs to end hunger and achieve food security.

Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner

The Strategic Review was developed through a participatory research process, which initiated with a compilation of the most recent information and data about Timor-Leste’s nutrition, agriculture and food systems. Afterwards, the research team conducted a nation-wide consultation process with members of the government, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, as well as led community consultations. The data gathered was then analyzed to write recommendations on how Timor-Leste can progress towards achieving goal SDG2. Recommendations include ensuring national social protection programmes, improving operations and nutrition of the nationally owned School Meals Programme, improving agricultural productivity by promoting agroforestry, improving spices and coffee production, investing in women farmers, etc.

Since 2007, Interpeace has been working with CEPAD, supporting peacebuilding processes in Timor-Leste, establishing initiatives to help break cycles of violence and help create a climate where the Timorese can identify and address priority issues in non-violent ways. We celebrate CEPAD’s work and are proud of the successful launch of the Strategic Review to achieve SDG2 in Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Steve Tickner

To read the full report visit the following link:

Timor-Leste Strategic Review: Progress and Success in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2