CSR in Timor-Leste

History of CSR:

Many local and foreign firms support community activities, ranging from sponsoring the Tour de Timor bicycle race and other high-profile events to investing in education and rural employment
A Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been established and there is an active Rotary Club, but general awareness of corporate social responsibility is low.

Legal framework and Initiatives:

Child Labour and Forced Labour
The Government of Timor-Leste has acceded to many of the major international labour and human rights conventions including:
1. International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour;
2. ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize;
3. ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining;
4. ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour;
5. the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
6. the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights;
7. and the International Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
Labour Law
A new Labor Law in 2012 put in place regulations for labor conditions, including a 44-hour work week, standard benefits such as leave and premium pay for overtime, and minimum standards of worker health and safety. In June 2012, the government set the minimum wage for full-time employment at $115 per month. Enforcement of labor laws is uneven, but increasing.
Corruption
Founded the Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC) in 2010. Since then, the CAC has referred several cases to the Office of the Prosecutor General and has several ongoing investigations. There are several corruption watchdog organizations active in Timor-Leste, both local and international.
Environment
The regulatory system is still in its formative stages. It appears that existing tax, labour, environment, health and safety, and other laws and policies as written do not particularly distort or impede investment. Uncertainty about the content of future regulation, uneven implementation, and non-enforcement are impediments to investment.
CSR Law
No CSR law currently exists.

Good practice:

On 23rd May 2015, the Embassy of Malaysia organized a Corporate Social Responsibility programme with MTCP Alumni of Timor-Leste. The Embassy approached a local school with the intention to paint two bulidings of a branch Primary School of Paiol at Lahane, Dili, Timor-Leste. The Alumni participants were very sastisfied to perform this activity as a small contribution to the local society.