Can you help us? Please...


Timor-Leste

In February 2005 FRDP was contacted by the Timorese Ministry of Protection to assist in the organization of a Fire Service in Timor-Leste (formally East Timor)

Why Help Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste is currently the world's youngest nation and is among the 20 poorest nations in the world and the first UNDP National Human Development Report found that Timor-Leste is officially Asia's poorest country. More than forty per cent of the people live in extreme poverty. With limited formal jobs available, most of the rural population is engaged in subsistence agriculture. Unemployment is prevalent, particularly among youths and in urban areas. Lack of livelihood opportunities is compounded as almost two-thirds of the adult population is illiterate. As a consequence, management, technical and administrative skills are at critically low levels. Poor social infrastructure restricts people's access to basic services.

The United Nations General Assembly placed East Timor on the international agenda in 1960, when it added the territory to its list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. At that time, East Timor was administered by Portugal. Portugal withdrew in 1975 and subsequently Indonesia's military invaded and integrated East Timor as its 27th province. The United Nations never recognized this integration, and both the Security Council and the General Assembly called for Indonesia's withdrawal.

In March 1999, Portugal and Indonesia agreed to let the East Timorese choose between autonomy within Indonesia or independence. Indonesia expected to win ratification of its rule, but in August, in a UN-supervised referendum, voters chose independence. The territory descended into chaos as Indonesian militias and the army engaged in a campaign of terror and brutality, killing supporters of independence, looting and burning buildings, and causing thousands to flee their homes. In September, the United Nations sent a peacekeeping force to East Timor. In October, the United Nations agreed to assume the administration and defense of East Timor, which became a non-self-governing territory.

In 2002 East Timor became The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, an independent nation.

(Source: Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, UN Timor-Leste & UNDP)

The Problem
Timor-Leste has had assistance from the international community but, as usual, very little has been used to build one of the most basic and essential public institutions - The Fire Rescue Service.

The Government of Timor-Leste has taken the first step in asking FRDP for assistance in developing their Fire Rescue Service but, doesn't have the resources to fund this very important project.

The funds for an Initial Assessment & Supply Mission are URGENTLY needed. This mission will then be followed by the Training & Development Missions.

Please help us help the people of Timor-Leste, the world's youngest nation.

Please join the current list of supporters...

• The Fire Rescue Development Program, NGO
• Tokyo Fire Department

Timor-Leste 1-1 A House Fire.	Timor-Leste 1-2 A Car Fire During Civil Unrest.	Timor-Leste 1-3 Military Provides Security During a House Fire.