Two perspectives on December 7, 1975 and its aftermath
Do not forget those who suffered on 7 December 1975 and beyond
From Timor-Leste's Asosiasaun Vitima Konfitu 74-99 (National Victims' Association)
7 December is a historic day for Timorese
people. An unforgettable day for all, but a day least forgotten by the many
people who are still suffering everyday from the bitter consequences of the
Indonesian invasion of Timor Leste.
7 December 1975 was the starting point of
human rights abuses and suffering for the Timorese people. Suffering that would
last beyond the 24-year invasion. 36 years on from this tragic day, little has
been done to help those who suffered the most, and continue to suffer. While 7
December cannot be erased from our memories, the date can become a catalyst for
a new context, a time of healing.
30 October 2011 marked 6 years since the
CAVR report Chega! was given to the
Parliament of Timor Leste by the President at the time Xanana Gusmao. That
report recommended reparations for the victims who suffered during the
Indonesian invasion, yet to date there is no state policy for reparations.
Instead, it appears the political position has been to forget the past in an
attempt to hide the fact that problems still exist as a result of the invasion.
Last week, President Ramos-Horta (again)
called upon Parliament to pass law to grant amnesties to perpetrators of mass
violence and human rights abuses to enable these people to live free from fear
of prosecution. It is an insult to the to victims of those abuses that they have
been abandoned by the state while the perpetrators of the atrocities garner the
politicians’ support.
