Agriculture, disability inclusion and land rights are key concerns in Oxfam submission to Parliament

Today, Oxfam in Timor-Leste releases its 2020 Budget Submission to the National Parliament. The submission praises the Government’s increase for the agriculture budget and acknowledges the Government’s commitment to disability inclusion. The Submission also recommends an urgent and independent investigation into the current land registration system, Sistema Nacional Cadastre (SNC)

Agriculture and access to local markets

Oxfam congratulates the Government of Timor-Leste for increasing the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget from USD 14.9m (2019) to USD 21.5m (2020). Oxfam urges the Government to ensure that this increased budget allocation for agriculture will bring direct benefits to the most poor and vulnerable farming communities.

The 2020 Budget also includes a proposed USD 10m from the Ministry of Public Works to rehabilitate 25 rural roads. However, it remains unclear which roads have been prioritised and whether these roads will impact rural farming communities, particularly those that do not yet have access to local markets.

Disability Inclusion

Oxfam congratulates the recent unanimous passing of Resolution n.º/V (2.ª) on the promotion and protection of people with disabilities. Oxfam urges the Government to adopt mechanisms and to adopt the appropriate budget allocations for 2020-2021 for people with disabilities and ensure inclusive development in Timor-Leste.

Land rights

The Government’s contract with GMN-H and ARM-Apprize ceases in December 2019. Oxfam urges the Government to begin an urgent and independent investigation on the SNC before December 2019, particularly focusing on the registration process, the potential impact of conflict surrounding land in Timor-Leste, the impact on vulnerable people, and the sustainability and transparency of the SNC.

To read the full Parliamentary Submission, click here.