UNTAET Daily briefing 26/2/02
UNTAET-GOVERNMENT MEET ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ISSUE
UNTAET and the East Timorese government met for the first time today
to
discuss a joint strategy to address the domestic violence problem and
ensure that different government departments work together on the issue.
The chair of the meeting, Maria Domingas Alves, Advisor for the Promotion
of Equality to the East Timorese Chief Minister explained that the meeting
aimed to establish a partnership within the various concerned departments
and create a governmental working group. She also stressed that domestic
violence "is not a private matter."
The four-hour long meeting was also attended by the United Nations Civilian
Police, Human Rights and Legal Units; and Health and Social Services
departments.
UNTAET Civilian Police Commissioner Peter Miller briefed the participants
on how his force is working closely with the East Timor Police Service
and
is training the East Timorese police officers on domestic violence situations.
The need to improve legislation on domestic violence and to change mindsets
at a grass root level was also discussed.
A follow-up meeting is expected to take place next week.