Gender, Violence, and Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in East and West Timor

Citation:

Abdullah, Saleh, and Henri Myrttinen. 2004. Gender, Violence, and Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in East and West Timor. Yogyakarta, Indonesia: INSIST.

Authors: Saleh Abdullah, Henri Myrttinen

Abstract:

This paper will look at issues of gender, violence and small arms in East Timor, and, where applicable given the continued presence of East Timorese militia and refugees there, in West Timor. The paper will discuss: 1.The issue of SALW in East and West Timor as a whole during the conflict (1974-1999) as well as in the post-conflict situation; 2. Constructions of gender in East Timorese society during the years of conflict, looking at non-combatant civilians, pro-independence Falintil (For as Armadas de Liberta o Nacional de Timor Leste) guerrillas and the pro-Indonesian militia groups; 3. Gendered identities in the post-conflict situation, examining again non-combatant civilians, ex-combatant Falintil not included in the new security forces, the new national security forces (F-FDTL and PNTL) as well as the militia groups; and 4. Role of SALW in violence in East and West Timor, focusing on gendered/sexualised violence. Given the central role played by the United Nations and other international agencies in the post-conflict situation, the paper will also discuss the impacts that these actors had and include recommendations for future involvements by them.

Topics: Gender, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Militias, Non-State Armed Groups, Violence, Weapons /Arms Regions: Oceania Countries: Timor-Leste

Year: 2004