The Role of the United Nations in Conflict Resolution and Peace-building in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This chapter shares views on the contribution made by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) towards conflict resolution and peace-building in Timor-Leste as East Timor is now officially called. Since the end of the Cold War, both the concept and practice of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations have changed substantially. UN peacekeeping is a form of conflict resolution as its activities are based on third-party intervention. During the year following the establishment of UNMISET, the military component continued to provide support for the external security and territorial integrity of Timor-Leste, while ensuring timely transfer of security responsibilities to the national defence force. In Timor-Leste, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN system organs and development partners have been committed to supporting the Government's efforts. The chapter concludes that the United Nations has completed one of its most comprehensive and successful peacekeeping and peace-building missions in Timor-Leste. Keywords: conflict resolution; peace-building mission; peacekeeping mission; Timor-Leste; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)