Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dili (Agenzia Fides) – Justice, reconciliation, economic and social development are still a distant reality for East Timor, which this past August 29 celebrated its 10th anniversary of independence from Indonesia. According to a report published by the Catholic NGO “Progressio,” which has been active in East Timor since 2001, global development of the small Asian republic will be “seriously compromised” if the court process for the crimes committed during the struggle for independence remains incomplete. The lack of justice is an impediment to authentic reconciliation and therefore, for real national unity, which is necessary for economic, social, and cultural (as well as human) development for the people of Timor, Progressio says.
After 10 years of self-governing, East Timor is still the poorest nation in southeastern Asia (in spite of the great quantities of oil it possesses) and one of the lowest-ranking nations in terms of human development. An estimated 40% of the population in Timor live on less than one dollar per day.
Progressio says that the anniversary of the vote for independence raises the question over the need to prosecute those guilty of crimes against humanity committed in that turbulent time in the nation's history, in which over 100,000 people lost their life. “Without justice, impunity and instability will continue to stunt growth in East Timor,” says Progressio.
In spite of the creation of a “National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation,” which worked from 2001 to 2005, no suspects have been identified or prosecuted for human rights violations: this impunity is an open wound in the nation's history, various humanitarian aid organizations say.
The Democratic Republic of East Timor was officially established on May 20, 2002, after a period of transitional administration under the United Nations. With a 95% Catholic population, East Timor has the highest concentration of faithful in all Asia. Thus, the Church plays an important role in the formation of consciences for its citizens. Today the nation is working in the area of “national dialogue,” on the issues of justice and reconciliation. The local Church has always highlighted the need for “pardon in truth and justice,” as the basis for strengthening national unity.
Among the nation's main problems are poverty, insecurity, and the question of reconciliation. Thousands of refugees fled Timor into Indonesia after violence broke out in September 1999, following the referendum on secession. Many of them returned to East Timor, while others remained in Indonesian territory for fear of retaliation or lynching, being accused of having supported the pro-Indonesian party. Thus, the process of reconciliation in East Timor remains a difficult one and continues to be a source of division in politics and public opinion. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/8/2009)
