Project Proposal:  Timor Watch

An analysis and review of the development proposals of international agencies

Background

Almost a year after the ballot that resulted in East Timor finally achieving independence, the development processes continues.  While some positive news is evident, the development proposals of the official agencies and the behaviour of some of the international NGOs is increasingly raising concerns.

In our August 2000 bulletin, AID/WATCH raised the crucial issue of reconstruction in East Timor.  In reviewing developments in East Timor, we have been critical of the methods employed by the official agencies of the World Bank, United Nations, Asian Development Bank and AusAID, as well as a number of international non-government organisations.  For example, in analysing the World Bank's agricultural development proposal, we found that it prioritised the development of export earnings instead of fostering the self-reliance of East-Timorese communities.
 

Aims of the Project:

Specifically, we are launching "Timor Watch" in support of the local communities to:

1. Critique of projects/strategy of major development banks and other 'development' institutions.
2. Critique of projects/strategy of International NGOs.
3. Build the skills of Timorese activists (this would happen as an ongoing transfer of skills through the implementation of the project with Timorese groups/people).

Partner Organisations

AID/WATCH is also seeking a number of international partner agencies to assist in achieving the goals of this project.  If you believe that your organisation can provide assistance through training, advice or reviewing aid proposals, please contact us so that we can discuss how are partnering arrangement can work.

It is important to note that Timor Watch will be an independent project.  By not accepting funding or donations from corporations or any government agency, we will ensure this independence is maintained.  All work undertaken will be available for review.
 

How can you help?

• Endorsement - this is an important campaign, and you can help by endorsing Timor Watch as an individual or on behalf of your organisation;
• Volunteering - as with most work undertaken by the community sector, the role of volunteers will be invaluable in insuring its success;
• Partnering - become a partner organisation; and
• Donations - make a donation to the Timor Watch campaign via AID/WATCH.  All donations over $2 are tax deductable.

Who is AID/WATCH?

AID/WATCH works in conjunction with support partner groups and communities in low-income countries, predominantly in the Asia-Pacific, where people are adversely affected by Australian development activities.  This may occur through bilateral aid programs, multilateral development banks to which Australia contributes such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank, and Australian corporations including the government-owned Export Finance and Insurance Corporation.

The flow of aid money can be positive particularly in programs of emergency relief and health.  However, aid development projects can often have significantly detrimental impacts which are felt by communities overseas.  When this occurs, it is in the donor country that the decisions are made that lead to them.  So while AID/WATCH supports communities overseas, we also aim to inform the Australian community of how their aid dollar is being spent and what impact it is having.  AID/WATCH believes that increased awareness of the reality of international aid will lead to aid programs that truly benefit the local population.
 

Our Purpose

For More Information:

• For more information, please call AID/WATCH on 02-9387-5210
• Email: aidwatch@mpx.com.au
• Website: http://www.aidwatch.org.au