"The chapters together provide further evidence of the continuing importance of the past in the shaping of the nation, a theme that has been the basis for many books about Timor-Leste's independence. ... The book's density and specificity of content will make it appealing to Timor-focused scholars and those interested in regional perspectives on human rights." (Amy Rothschild and Angie Bexley, The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, March 23, 2022)
Chapter 1: What is Peace and Human Rights for Timorese? | Khoo Ying Hooi
Chapter 2: Transitional Justice: A Dispute over Reconciliation and Justice | Antero Benedito da Silva
Chapter 3: Impunity for Human Rights Violations and Its Consequences in Timor-Leste | Juvinal Dias
Chapter 4: Democratic Discourse and Consensus in Timor-Leste: Reintegration to Neoliberal Capitalism? | Fernando A. T. Ximenes
Chapter 5: Provedoria Dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça: Between Human Rights Activism and Limitations | Khoo Ying Hooi and Horacio de Almeida
Chapter 6: Political Uncertainty and Its Implications for Wellbeing Rights of Timorese Society | Jose Cornelio Guterres
Chapter 7: Patriarchy and Women’s Rights in Timor-Leste | Eugenia Urania da Costa Correia
Chapter 8: The Neglected Rights of Elderly Women in Timor-Leste | Therese Thi Phuong Tam Nguyen
Chapter 9: Environmental Justice in Timor-Leste: Legal Practices and Challenges | Adilsonio da Costa Junior
Khoo Ying Hooi, PhD is a university lecturer at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Malaya.
Antero Benedito da Silva, PhD is a university lecturer on peace and conflict studies and the Director of Peace Center at the Timor Lorosa’e National University (UNTL).
Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam, PhD is a university lecturer in the Community Development Department, Faculty of Social Science at the UNTL.
“This book raises a timely question: have we delivered on the promise of independence? 19 years following the hard-earned restoration of independence, this book informs the readers about Timor-Leste’s progress thus far and more importantly outlines the challenges which remain. Each of the well-researched and documented chapters, largely by national academics and human rights advocates, speak to our national consciousness about the large number of Timorese who also gave their lives for self-determination and independence; and who are still far from attaining their most basic human rights as enshrined in Timor-Leste’s Constitution, the United Nations Human Rights Charter and the international human rights treaties which Timor-Leste freely entered into. The book is a must read for policy makers as the country struggles to get back on track on achieving the SDGs and a peaceful, inclusive and just society for all Timorese citizens.”
--Milena Pires, Former Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations
This book offers perspectives from the ground on human rights and peace in Timor-Leste. By highlighting the local voices, this book draws on their experience and expertise in engaging with questions concerning the nexus between human rights, peace and development. It posits that these concepts no longer mean absence of conflict, and argues that sustainable peace must be built from rights frameworks to protect the locals’ interests in the processes. Acknowledging the lack of autonomy on local actors in peace-making contexts, the book emphasizes the urgent need to facilitate the creation of political and social structures that can support and offer contextual rights and dignity for the Timorese community.
Khoo Ying Hooi, PhD is a university lecturer at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Malaya.
Antero Benedito da Silva, PhD is a university lecturer on peace and conflict studies and the Director of Peace Center at the Timor Lorosa’e National University (UNTL).
Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam, PhD is a university lecturer in the Community Development Department, Faculty of Social Science at the UNTL.