Outreach Unit/Team (OT)

The Outreach Team has been an integral part of JSMP work since the outset. The Outreach Unit’s activities include the dissemination of information resulting from JSMP legal research and analysis through a variety of media, advocacy and promoting understanding of judicial rights and the rule of law throughout Timor-Leste. The Outreach Unit currently comprises four national staff members. Another staff member works specifically on outreach projects within the Womens´ Justice Unit.

The Outreach Unit has responsibility for four broad categories of activities. These are:

Publications and materials. This includes producing educational materials, brochures and posters; editorial functions relating to JSMP´s thematic reports, justice updates and media releases; and maintaining a library of materials and publications.

Information dissemination. This includes the dissemination of JSMP publications to key stakeholders in Timor-Leste and overseas; provision of information/materials to remote district communities; maintenance of JSMP´s internationally regarded website in the four languages of Timor; distribution of news and information through JSMP´s email lists; coordination of regular radio and television discussions on important issues; the production of programs (including dramas) for broadcast on Timor-Leste´s community radio stations; holding press conferences and briefings, and the utilization of local and international media to highlight issues of urgent public interest. The Outreach Unit also fights for the rights of victims regarding human right violations that occurred between 1974 and 1999.

Community Workshops.  After Outreach has facilitated district workshops in the last several years to Timorese National Police, district/sub-district administrators, village leaders, traditional leaders, the church, and representatives from local women and youth groups.  The Outreach Unit is now  focusing on Village Councils by providing training on how to access to the formal justice system. The issues covered in the training have included: general human rights issues, the formal legal system, legal processes, children’s rights, women’s rights, and practical information for victims in accessing justice through the courts.

Networking. This includes maintaining mutually beneficial and constructive relationships between JSMP and government, the United Nations, civil society groups, community leaders, the Portuguese speaking community abroad and the media. In addition, JSMP is networking with several national and international organizations including: the National Alliance for an International Tribunal; Rede Feto (a national women’s network); and the International justice coalition (advocacy work with international justice and human rights NGOs).  Notably JSMP is also a member of Forum Asia.