Background:

Since independence, Timor-Leste has faced daunting challenges to establishing a viable state and a representative democracy. Nonetheless, progress has been made with Timor-Leste conducting multiple free and fair elections, most recently in 2012. Yet the country still lacks the fundamental governance systems essential to adequately respond to persistently high rates of poverty, unemployment, growing socioeconomic inequality and unresolved conflict. The country faces challenges upholding human rights, reducing impunity and increasing access to basic public services.  

USAID partners with the Government of Timor-Leste to build the resiliency of democratic institutions and further consolidate good governance practices. USAID also partners with the judiciary and legal service providers in Timor-Leste to facilitate access to justice for rural populations.

Summary:

USAID’s Fostering Freedom of Information for Inclusive Governance Project’s aim to improve governance by engaging public opinion in demanding greater transparency and accountability in government through a meaningful right of access to information. Access to information is a multi-dimensional tool that is expected to reinforce the foundations for social stability, institutional development within the public sector and effectiveness in the provision of public services as it enables citizens to engage constructively in political life and government to become more accountable and transparent. The expected results of the project include: Civil society is well-informed and empowered to take action on freedom of information; Public administration shows positive attitude towards becoming more transparent and accountable through improved public information documentation, archival and availability to civil society and the wider public; and civil society collaborates with key government agencies to successfully launch information and corruption prevention initiatives and develop and implement campaigns in support of democratic practices and principles.