25 Years of PNTL and UN Partnership: A Journey of Resilience and Progress

The Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) recently marked its 25th anniversary  in March 2025, highlighting the force's achievements and the strong and lasting alliance between PNTL and the United Nations. From its early days of establishing Timor-Leste's law enforcement agencies under UNTAET to its current position of providing ongoing support, the United Nations has been an integral contributor to country's law enforcement institutions. The UN’s role has evolved from direct supervision to strategic collaboration throughout the years, ensuring that PNTL remains a strong, autonomous organisation. From UNTAET (1999-2002) to UNMIT (2006-2012), the UN supported the establishment of a professional and community-oriented police service. As a key institution of governance, the PNTL has been instrumental to Timor-Leste’s pride in being a model of democracy, good governance and human rights in Southeast Asia, working through ongoing collaboration and coordinated approaches with UN agencies in Timor-Leste, to strengthen its ability in crime prevention, investigations, and digital forensics to ensure that officers are prepared to handle the needs of modern police. 

Together with its operational capability, the PNTL has developed into a professional police force characterized by a dedication to human rights and community involvement. This has been integrated into the DNA of the PNTL through a consistent and continuing partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), an independent national institution, which has helped to include human rights principles into PNTL training. Increased public faith in law enforcement is a direct result of the partnership’s emphasis on police upholding the law in a way that is consistent with international human rights norms and standards. Community policing programmes, with the support of the  United Nations, have also helped bring police and the communities they patrol closer together. These initiatives have fostered a more welcoming and community-focused approach to law enforcement by bringing together citizens and security forces. 

Recognising that security should include not just public areas but also homes and communities, the UN’s collaboration with PNTL has strongly emphasised gender-responsive policing. In light of the concerning prevalence of GBV in Timor-Leste, the United Nations has provided strong backing to the second National Action Plan (NAP) 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (2024-2028) and support on gender equality, gender-based violence prevention, and leadership via this program, ensuring that PNTL's policing strategy is proactive, protective, and safeguarding. 

The United Nations also supported PNTL's official adoption of its second-generation Gender Strategy (2024–2028) in November 2024. The strategy addresses critical issues such as women’s recruitment, career progression, and sexual harassment prevention, advancing a gender-inclusive work environment. The UN has also played a key role in supporting women officers in peacekeeping missions, mentoring 205 officers (71 women and 134 men) for international deployment opportunities. 

As Timor-Leste prepares to join ASEAN as a full member, the PNTL will need to adjust to changes in regional security, fortify cross-border cooperation, and increase its ability to combat transnational crime. ASEAN membership will provide new opportunities for knowledge-sharing, joint training, and coordinated law enforcement efforts, ensuring that PNTL is well-equipped to meet emerging security challenges. Additionally, the country faces new security challenges, including cybercrime, human trafficking, illicit trade, and transnational organised crime. The United Nations has taken the lead in building PNTL personnel-specific skills in digital forensics, counter-trafficking procedures, and victim protection measures in order to improve law enforcement's responses. With the first Victim Identification and Referral Mechanism in place, Timor-Leste is better able to fight human trafficking and provide victims with the help they need to overcome these crimes. 

Anticipating the Future: A Strong and Collaborative Foundation

Looking into the future, addressing emerging threats will require a focus on strengthening institutional capabilities, incorporating sophisticated technologies, and expanding regional security cooperation. The United Nations Resident Coordinator Funmi Balogun expressed her appreciation to the Commandant and all serving and retired members of the PNTL, on this momentous occasion, recognising their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country and its inhabitants.  "PNTL's journey over the past 25 years exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to justice." It is with great pride that the United Nations has joined forces with PNTL to establish and reinforce an institution that will serve with honesty and make human rights its top priority. To ensure that every person may live in dignity, peace, and security’.  She also applauded the Government of Timor-Leste for its ongoing efforts on police and judicial reforms. 

As the celebrations concluded, one message stood very clear - the PNTL’s 25-year journey is evidence of resilience, progress, and the power of multilateralism.