NGO Belun”s research report Dynamics of Martial Arts related Violence and Conflict in Timor-Leste finds that a ban on MAGs will not be effective as a stand-alone solution to end MAG violence. MAG related incidents, along with youth-violence more generally, stem from deep-set structural tensions relating to unequal access to public goods and services (such as education and security); intense competition and unequal distribution and access to resources and opportunities (such as land and employment); as well as the jealousies that are borne out of such social and economic conditions.
Through this report Belun urges government, civil society, MAGs, community leaders and donors to work together towards a more holistic and constructive approach to more effectively target the root causes of MAG violence.
To access a policy brief summary of the full research report, please click the following link:
To access the full research report, please click the following link: