Legal Aid Organizations Finalize Mediation Guidelines
Legal aid organizations supported by USAID partner The Asia Foundation finalized guidelines for cases handled by mediation at the end of September. Until the justice sector adopts formal rules on mediation, these guidelines will help ensure consistent standards in the mediation process as well as compliance with key human rights policies in force in Timor-Leste. As a result of recommendations by the legal aid organizations, one of the guidelines requires that all cases involving domestic violence must be handled by the courts and not by mediation. This will help to ensure that rights of women are respected and give women the opportunity to have their cases heard in the formal justice sector. (Oct. 17, 2006)

FFSO Implement Legal Education to Communities in Enclave
Fundasaun Fatu Sinai Oecusse (FFSO) is a local NGO based in Oecusse that provides legal aid services and legal education to Timor-Leste’s citizens in the enclave. FFSO, which is also a partner of The Asia Foundation was awarded a grant from USAID Small Grants Program to implement legal education in 6 villages in the district. The grant has enabled a group of lawyers from FFSO to conduct legal education activities in Malelat and Bobometo villages. 130 men and 75 women participated in the legal education sessions that included information about detention and investigation procedure, the rights of victims and defendants, the difference between civil and criminal cases, and immigration laws.(Oct. 17, 2006)

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