A Critical Reflection on the UN Mission’s Contributions to Human Security in Timor-Leste

The UN missions in Timor-Leste were a limited success when assessed in terms of legality, legitimacy, and efficacy. They would not have been launched had the UN Security Council not reached an agreement and would not have enjoyed as much legitimacy as they did if stakeholders such as the Timorese political elites, Indonesia, Portugal, and Australia had objected to the proposed mandates. Comparatively, however, the degree of legality was higher than that of legitimacy, and local legitimacy waned as Timorese elite felt uncomfortable with the usurpation of sovereignty by the UN. Despite the earlier mistakes and setbacks in 2006 of the UN intervention, the Timorese enjoyed more freedom from fear and want than any time since the declaration of independence in 1975.