Photo Review
Experience some of the fascinating places and faces of East Timor and everyday stories of the people and events through the lens of UNMIT photographer Martine Perret.
Women at sunset
Experience some of the fascinating places and faces of East Timor and everyday stories of the people and events through the lens of UNMIT photographer Martine Perret.
Women at sunset
Humans have long harnessed the radiant light and heat of the sun. As a source of clean, renewable and inexhaustible energy, it is hard to find an alternative to solar power. On the sun-drenched island of Timor-Leste, solar power makes both economic and environmental sense. UNICEF supports the use of solar energy by providing solar panels to health clinics throughout the country.
Lusophone Games
Timorese athletes are currently participating in the Lusophone Games held from 11-19 July in Lisbon, Portugal. First held in Macau in 2006, the Games gather 1,300 athletes from 12 countries and territories. The competition is an initiative of the eight-nation Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
11th July 2009
Youth Parliament
With one of the world’s youngest populations, the opportunities provided to the youth of Timor-Leste today will have a direct bearing on the quality of tomorrow’s leadership. UNICEF is supporting the Government to establish a Youth Parliament set to be launched in September. The parliament will be an important leadership platform, allowing young people a voice in the development of their nation. The Youth Parliament will be composed of 130 young parliamentarians.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
3rd July 2009
International Children’s Day
Nations around the world today will consider the safety and health of their young on International Children’s Day. With one of the youngest populations in the world, Timor-Leste is looking to safeguard its young against preventable diseases. The Government today launched a National Immunisation Campaign supported by UNICEF and WHO providing measles vaccinations and vitamin A supplements for all children, and tetanus vaccinations and iron supplements for older girls.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
Millennium Development Goals
For the young in Timor-Leste, the future holds both promise and challenge. The opportunities available to them tomorrow will largely be determined by decisions made today. Timor-Leste is committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by the target date of 2015. The second MDG Report, recently released, highlights the progress the nation has thus far made in achieving the targets, while acknowledging the many steps that are still needed.
Photo by Hipolito da Cruz / UNMIT
7th April 2009
Elder from Ainaro District
The use of traditional justice to punish crime, resolve problems and settle disputes is common through Timor-Leste. The Government, with the support of UNMIT and the UNDP Justice Program, is looking at creating a framework which may incorporate links between traditional mechanisms and the formal justice system.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
12th February 2009
Aileu Farmers
A third of Timorese households depend exclusively on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) distributes rice seeds as part of their broader program to improve the food security of vulnerable households. In January this year, FAO distributed 200 tons of high-quality rice seeds to 13 districts for the planting season between February to May. It is expected that over 10,000 households will benefit from the seeds.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
4th February 2009
Birdlife at Tasi-tolu
Egrets gliding over the small body of water in Tasi-tolu, Dili. The Tasi-tolu lake includes three permanent shallow saline lakes and a hinterland dominated by Eucalyptus savanna. Tasi-tolu is one of the most important wetlands in Timor-Leste. An impressive 45 waterbirds have been identified to date in this area.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
2nd January 2009
Coffee cherries
An unroasted coffee bean is simply the pit of a cherry-like fruit. Coffee cherries turn bright red when they are ripe and ready to pick. The fruit is found in clusters along the branches of the tree. While the skin of a coffee cherry is thick and bitter, the fruit beneath it is intensely sweet and has the texture of a grape. Coffee is the main agricultural export of Timor-Leste.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
29th December 2008
Jaco Island
island of Jaco across Tutuala beach as part of Nino Konis Santana National Park Timor-Leste.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
26th December 2008
Fisherman at Wataboo beach in Baucau
A fisherman throws his net early in the morning at Wataboo beach in Baucau. Situated on the “Tasi Feto”, the Northern shore, Pantai Wataboo is situated in Osolata, 5 km downhill from Baucau city. Next to a fishing village and lined with coconut palms, this used to be Baucau’s port. The abandoned customs house still fronts the beach.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
24th December 2008
The Kulu fruit
The Kulu fruit, (Breadfruit) is native to the Pacific Islands. The English name of this fruit is derived from its extremely high starch content. Common throughout Timor-Leste, Kulus are eaten as a snack. They can be boiled, fried or baked over an open fire, and are often eaten with a mixture of salt and chilli. In Timor-Leste, there are three types of this fruit known as Kulu Baka, Kulu Jaka and Kulu Kesa (pictured).
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
17th November 2008
Manu Fulun headdress
The traditional Manu Fulun headdress characterised by rooster feathers is commonly worn throughout Timor-Leste by men. The Manu Fulun is worn during important occasions, to receive guests or when performing the traditional ceremonies.
Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT
12th November 2008
Aerial shot of Christu Rei near Dili
