Submitted by sep_admin on Fri, 2017-02-17 23:46
This report summarize the crisis that erupted in May 2006 in Timor-Leste reflects larger tensions of a society that has undergone massive social change in the last 35 years, and where state institutions, formal sector employment and supra-local identities are all relatively new. The most visible elements of the crisis in Timor-Leste was the involvement of youth in widespread violence. Indeed, fighting amongst groups of youth is currently the most distressing manifestation of the ongoing crisis and instability. The violent behavior amongst youth has been a prominent feature of Timorese life for the generation of those who lived through the resistance movement. It would be a mistake, however, to rationalize such behavior as inherent to Timorese (youth) culture and society, and accept it as inevitable. Rather, there are concrete economic, social and political factors that place Timorese youth at-risk of, and push them to engage in, violent behavior. Although it is important not to overstate the role of direct political mobilization, reports suggest that, particularly in the initial stages of the crisis, political actors capitalized on youth grievances and vulnerability for strategic purposes. A concerted effort by a determined leadership can stem the tide of increasing insecurity and lawlessness. To be effective, this leadership needs to recognize that young people are victims of manipulation as much as perpetrators of violence, and that they need to benefit from, as well as contribute to, development of Timor-Leste. Equally important, the frailties of the justice system and other institutional mechanisms render the role of leadership crucial in stemming the culture of impunity. Under the right conditions, the young people of Timor-Leste have enormous potential to contribute positively to nation building and the development process, they are the most educated Timorese ever, they are driven, and many are organized into associations and community organizations.