By linking the needs and vulnerabilities of vulnerable groups with existing assets and coping mechanisms, human security assessments build on what works, address gaps, develop capacities, and promote the foundation for greater resilience to current and future challenges.
Assessing Vulnerabilities and Resilience in Border Communities in Timor-Leste Through the Human Security Approach in the Context of COVID-19
Duration: December 2021– October 2024
Budget: US$297,223
Implementing Agencies: IOM (lead), UNICEF
Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant backsliding in development gains, giving rise to stark increases in inequalities within and across countries. In Timor-Leste, border communities, particularly those hardest to reach, faced multiple and interlinked insecurities prior to the pandemic. Due to their remoteness, these communities confronted limited access to basic social services, including WASH facilities, health clinics, and schools. At the same time, cross-border movement and trade, a daily feature of community life and a main source of economic security, was severely impacted as borders closed and travel was restricted due to the pandemic.
The key objective of the programme is to develop and conduct human security assessments with the aim to: (i) better understand the specific needs and challenges faced by people in remote border and at-risk communities; (ii) strengthen partnerships and coordination among local and national stakeholders to prepare and respond to complex challenges; and (iii) create mechanisms to upstream local assessments and related priorities into national planning processes by policymakers and practitioners.
KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
Final Assessment Report
Policy Brief: Human Security of Border Communities in Covalima, Bobonaro and RAEOA, Timor-Leste