Combating Human Trafficking in Timor-Leste

DEVELOPMENTS

The fledgling government of Timor-Leste has made significant improvements to its interagency coordination of anti-human trafficking activities assisted by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). In January 2008, UNMIT and civilian Timorese police successfully raided a sex trafficking ring and arrested 13 people who operated a sex trade in bars.  In response to this bust and other significant cases, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Alola Foundation hosted a two-day seminar in March 2008 on the challenges of countering human trafficking and best practices to mobilize local actors on the ground.

However, though the United Nations Department of Peace Keeping Operations (UNDPKO) has instituted strict policies regarding UN staff patronizing such establishments, reports of sexual exploitation by UN staff continue to surface in Timor-Leste.

‍