The Ministry of Justice has launched a national public information campaign to help residents learn more about East Timor's laws and its justice system. The campaign, one of the first of its kind here, is a direct response to citizen recommendations at the National Dialogue on Justice in March. The campaign includes call-in programs on radio and television, public meetings in all 13 districts, and a range of educational materials, including brochures and posters.

The first public meeting, held in Letefoho, Ermera, attracted more than 400 residents to hear Minister of Justice Domingos Sarmento discuss the country's legal development and concerns about access to justice. The first call-in program was also popular, with more than a dozen callers. Lucas da Costa, director of the ministry's Citizenship and Rights Department, and Afonso Lopes, director of ministry's Judicial Assessment and Legislation Department, responded to questions about how the government will tell citizens about new laws, many people's preference for Tetum in promulgating laws and information, and the meaning of 'rights'. The call-in programs are being broadcast every other week--on tv in Dili and on national and community radio stations across the country--for six months.

When he introduced the campaign to the Council of Ministers, Minister Sarmento said that it will promote direct interaction between justice officials and the public, building better understanding between them. "This program will enable the country to make sure that people have access to information on justice and understand the laws promulgated by the Parliament," he explained.

Father Juvieto do Rego, a priest in Dili, said he that the call-in program was very important to educate the community, especially because the interactive format allows people to ask practical questions. Antonio da Costa, a farmer, teacher, and traditional leader from Venilale, attended the Baucau meeting with about 1,000 other area residents. "Everything is new in East Timor, so this program is good to disseminate the laws to the people so that they can comply and know more about how and where to access the justice system to resolve their problems."

As one of USAID's implementing partners, The Asia Foundation helps the Ministry of Justice with its information campaign as part of TAF's Access to Justice program. The program strengthens East Timor's emerging justice system, raises public awareness and understanding of how the system works, and facilitates informed public participation in legal development.