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UN transfers tenth district to Timorese police control

UN transfers tenth district to Timorese police control

Timor-Leste's national police have resumed responsibilities
Timor-Leste’s national police force today resumed primary policing responsibilities in Manufahi, the tenth to be handed over from the United Nations since the gradual transfer of security functions began last May.

Addressing a ceremony in the district’s administrative capital, Same, Deputy Special Representative Shigeru Mochida congratulated the small nation on its achievement, pledging the UN’s increased support, including the mentoring of Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) members, to face remaining challenges.

“To the communities of Manufahi, please know that we are all here to work with you for a better future,” Mr. Mochida said.

“With your support, we trust that your district will be a safe and prosperous one.”

The PNTL was established in March 2000 by the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which was set up to assist the country during its transition to independence, which it attained in 2002.

In the aftermath of the violence that erupted in 2006, a UN police force was established to maintain law and order in the country until the national police could be reorganized and restructured. The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) was set up to oversee the process.

UN Police will maintain their presence in the districts where the PNTL have resumed responsibilities to monitor, advise and support the national police, including in the area of human rights protection.

The resumption process is being implemented jointly by the Government and UNMIT on a district-by-district basis following an assessment of the PNTL’s readiness to assume primary policing responsibilities.

In addition to the districts that have been handed over since the process began last May in the district of Lautem, the PNTL has assumed responsibility for the administration and management of the Police Training Centre, the Maritime Police Unit and the Police Intelligence Service.