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Timor-Leste

Parliament of Timor-Leste makes a move on justice

The parliament of Timor-Leste (East Timor) has resolved to set up and fund a special institution to implement the recommendations of two major reports on the country's troubled past.

"This is a significant step towards providing justice for the victims of past human rights violations - and is a victory for campaigners who argue that the country cannot move on without healing the wounds of the past," said Tibor van Staveren, country representative for Progressio's Timor-Leste programme.

On 14 December 2009, the Timor-Leste parliament passed a resolution outlining a process to implement the recommendations of the report from the joint Indonesia and Timor-Leste Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF), and the Chega! report produced by the Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CAVR).

Parliament answers people's call

The resolution came after the parliament was handed three thousand petitions, signed by Timorese citizens and people from 23 other countries, calling on it to debate the Chega! report - something it had not yet done although the Chega! report was submitted more than four years ago.

The resolution tasked a parliamentary committee to prepare, within three months, draft legislation for concrete measures to implement the recommendations of the two commissions, and for the creation of a new institution for that purpose. A contingency sum of US$250,000 has been set aside for the new institution.

"Although the parliament did not debate or adopt the actual contents of the CAVR or CTF reports yet, but instead focused on a follow-up mechanism to implement the recommendations, this is still an important step towards helping rebuild peace and justice in Timor-Leste," said Tibor van Staveren.

Injustice holds back development

The recommendations in the CAVR report broadly aim to prevent the repetition of human rights violations and to respond to the needs of victims of past injustices. The recommendations are directed at a range of institutions, but recognition from the Timor-Leste parliament of the need to take them forward is seen as key to their eventual implementation.

Progressio's "East Timor: Who Cares?" campaign helped to spotlight the need for justice in Timor-Leste both internationally and in the country itself, and Progressio's advocacy manager Tim Aldred said:

"Our campaign added to calls within the country itself for the government to address the cycles of impunity and injustice which are holding back peaceful development in Timor-Leste. We would like to thank all the Progressio supporters who added their voices to the campaign."

The Timor-Leste parliament will debate the draft legislation, including the shape and powers of the proposed new justice and reconciliation institution, in March/April 2010. Tibor van Staveren said:

"People in Timor-Leste and abroad are following this with interest. Now is the time to get encouragement and support from abroad to ensure such an institution will be empowered in pushing this process along."