Abstract
This chapter looks into the role of non-state actors in Timor-Leste as the ‘check and balance’ in promoting women’s rights through existing legal frameworks. Since the promulgation of the domestic violence law in Timor-Leste in 2010, civil society have been actively involved in monitoring the implementation of the new law and more importantly reporting on the role of stakeholders involved, for instance, the judiciary, lawyers, police, government sector, health care professionals and the community leaders. This chapter aims to unpack salient parts of the domestic violence law, the anomalies within the law and suggestions for reform as identified by the civil society. The actions and findings of civil society will highlight their attempt to identify limits to the existing legal framework while recommending ways to restore the legal process so access to justice for women in domestic violence is more effectively achieved.
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Yogaratnam, J. (2018). Civil Society: The ‘Check and Balance’ to Development of the Laws Against Gender Violence in Timor-Leste. In: Lahai, J., Moyo, K. (eds) Gender in Human Rights and Transitional Justice. Crossing Boundaries of Gender and Politics in the Global South. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54202-7_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54202-7_4
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