Dili, March 19, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Dalan Ba Dame (HABADA) NGO held a press conference regarding the evictions in Dili that have impacted the lives and security of the community. The press conference was held at the HABADA Hall, Golgotha, Dili, on Tuesday.
HABADA Executive Director Abel Amaral said the forced evacuation in Dili had raised significant concerns for the well-being, security and stability of the community.
“Meanwhile, urban development, land disputes and infrastructure projects, are causing dislocation, leaving vulnerable populations facing economic problems, social instability and severe security risks. HABADA NGO accompanies this development to advocate for just resettlement policies and long-term solutions to mitigate the negative impacts on people’s livelihoods and security,” said HABADA’s executive director, Abel Amaral.
He continued, in Dili City, Timor-Leste, there were eviction cases due to several factors, including government-led urban planning, private project development, and legal disputes over land ownership.
“Many residents, especially those with informal homes, do not have formal land certificates, leaving them vulnerable to forced evictions. Evictions, often without adequate consultation, compensation, or provision of alternative housing, exacerbate the vulnerability of low-income families,” he said.
He stressed that the impact on the economic consequences of forced evictions is more severe for families who depend on local markets, informal businesses or subsistence activities for their livelihoods.
“The evictions add to the widespread security problems in Dili, causing social unrest, tensions between communities and authorities. Disenfranchised people struggling to meet basic needs can be suspected of illegal activities or exploration,” he added.
He added that, in addition to using violence, changing it without proper legal process, demanding trust in the government, and implementing laws that could give rise to protest movements or resistance.
“To ensure security, it is necessary to resolve the root causes of complaints related to evictions through inclusive politics and community involvement,” he said.
He continued that the legal framework surrounding land rights and eviction procedures in Timor-Leste was still a matter of debate.
“Many residents do not have official documents proving land ownership, while land laws and complex administrative processes are not accessible to marginalized groups. The absence of a clear relocation policy further exacerbates the problem by leaving evicted residents without viable alternative housing,” he added.
He said, to strengthen legal protection and guarantee government-owned land with high transparency to prevent land conversion in the future. In addition, recommendations and solutions to strengthen legal protection, the government must implement a pose policy for clean land.
Further explained that the evictions in Dili pose a serious threat to the lives and security of the community, based on the right to urban development. To resolve this issue requires efforts from the government, society including international partners to ensure economic growth, human rights and social stability in order to prioritize inclusive political and social protection in Timor-Leste that can spread a more just and secure future for all people.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano