Timorese groups call for right to justice for victims of Indonesia occupation

Read whole statement here: Joint Statement on International Day for the Right to the Truth and Justice for Victims: ANTI demands for the State of Timor-Leste to not ignore the rights of victims

excerpts:

The demand for victims’ rights to truth and justice is not only aimed at satisfying victims, but also for the current generation and future generations. The truth is a historical treasure of a country that prevents the reoccurrence of such incidents in the future. History does not just concern heroism displayed during a violent struggle, but it should also encompass the suffering of victims, so that we can all understand this human suffering to prevent further suffering.

...

“This principle of justice must be firmly upheld and cannot be modified in accordance with the desire of the ‘elite’ and especially not because of authority wielded by perpetrators. The problem that there is no capacity to achieve justice is not a reason to ignore and violate these principles. The capacity to achieve justice is relative and it is the responsibility of the entire international community”; said  Sisto dos Santos, Coordinator of ANTI.   

Read the rest here 

Timor Parliament passes resolution on CAVR and CTF reports

On December 14, the Timor-Leste parliament passed a long-delayed resolution on implementing the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste (CAVR) and Commission on Truth and Friendship (CVA/CTF) reports. The resolution passed with 34 yes vote in the affirmative, none opposed, and one abstention. Below is an unofficial English translation by La'o Hamutuk; the Portuguese language original follows afterwards. The resolution gives Parliament at least another three months to discuss implementation in committee.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
NATIONAL PARLIAMENT

Draft Resolution No 34/II.
Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship

Considering the work of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), established by UNTAET Regulation No 2001/10 and recognized by Article 162 of the Constitution of the Republic, with a mandate to investigate and report on human rights violations occurred in Timor-Leste between 25 April 1974 and 25 October 1999 and make recommendations to prevent future repetition of such violations;

Considering the CAVR Final Report, presented to the President of the Republic and the National Parliament in accordance as provided by law, and its recommendations;

Considering the work of the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CVA/CTF), established under the Joint Timor-Leste – Indonesia Declaration of 14 December 2004, mandated to establish the truth about human rights violations which occurred in East Timor in 1999 and to recommend appropriate measures;

Considering the Final Report of the CVA, presented on July 15, 2008 to the Presidents of the Republic of Timor-Leste and Indonesia and on 9 October of the same year to the National Parliament, and its recommendations;

Considering the need to recognize and honor the suffering of victims by ensuring their fair compensation;

Given the need to implement the recommendations made in the CAVR and CTF reports in order to reconcile the East Timorese society;

Therefore, in conjunction with Articles 9.1(b), 90 and 100 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Parliament, the Members who have signed the following draft resolution:

The National Parliament in accordance with Articles 92, 95.1 and 162.1 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, resolves the following:

1.    Recognizes the important work of the CAVR and CTF, which represents a valuable contribution to reach truth, reconciliation and justice;

2.    Appreciates the Final Reports submitted by the CAVR and CTF;

3.    Determines what practical steps are necessary and appropriate to the full implementation of their recommendations;

4.    The Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Justice, Public Administration, Local Government and Government Legislation shall, within three months, as per the preceding paragraphs:

a)    review the reports submitted by the CAVR and CTF;

b)    To propose concrete measures to implement the Recommendations, including the creation of a body for this purpose, in terms to be defined by law;

5.    Publish the Executive Summary of the CAVR in Portuguese and Tetum, in accordance with the provisions of UNTAET Regulation No 2001/10;

6.    Publish the CVA report in full.

Portuguese original  after the jump.