Activities

Armed violence involves the use of force to intentionally harm, cause injury or kill. Unfortunately, in Timor-Leste as elsewhere, armed violence is under-reported and thus hidden from view. In order to assist government policy makers, international practitioners and Timorese communities, the armed violence assessment will generate timely, reliable and comprehensive issue briefs on specific themes. In systematically examining the gap between real and perceived armed violence and assembling existing and new research, the assessment can inform interventions. On the basis of consultation with stakeholders in Timor-Leste, assessment focus areas include:
  1. An assessment of the risk factors, impacts and socio-economic costs of armed violence in relation to population health--particularly women, children and male youth and IDPs;
  2. A review of the dynamics of armed violence associated with 'high risk' groups such as gangs, specific communities in affected districts, petitioners, veterans, state institutions, and potential triggers such as elections; and
  3. The role of arms (e.g. bladed, home-made or 'craft', manufactured) as a factor contributing to armed violence.
The assessment will include a combination of household survey instruments, focus groups and extensive on-the-ground research with national partners. Findings will be released in the form of short policy-relevant Issue Briefs summarising findings on issues relating to, inter alia, victimisation, gang violence, the arms trade and storage procedures, legislation associated with civilian possession, private security, electoral violence and violence data management. Issue Briefs will be released in multiple languages from late 2008 onwards. More importantly, the assessment promises to ensure the transfer and exchange of skills and training for sustainable research on armed violence. Where appropriate, ActionAid and the Small Arms Survey will assist and strengthen domestic monitoring and information management capacities in the public health and security sectors to prevent and reduce armed violence. On the basis of ongoing consultations with government, Timorese civil society and international partners, the assessment will provide actionable evidence for decision making, monitoring and evaluation.

Training workshop for hospital staff in May 2009
© Aldo Benini
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