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.
Author(s): Ying Hooi Khoo, Antero Benedito da Silva, Therese Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam
Series: Palgrave Macmillan Studies on Human Rights in Asia
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 156
City: Singapore
Preface
Praise for Rethinking Human Rights and Peace in Post-Independence Timor-Leste Through Local Perspectives
Contents
Notes on Contributors
Abbreviations
1 What Is Peace and Human Rights for Timorese?
What Do Human Rights and Peace Mean to the Timorese?
Sustainable Peace with a Rights Framework
Dealing with the Past to Repair the Present
Outline of Chapters
Conclusion
References
2 Transitional Justice: A Dispute Over Reconciliation and Justice
Introduction
Brief History
The Cold War and Accountability
Geopolitics: Constraints to an International Tribunal
Final Note: A Quest for Justice
References
3 Impunity for Human Rights Violations and its Consequences in Timor-Leste
Introduction
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
Special Panels on Serious Crimes and the Jakarta Ad-Hoc Court for Human Rights Abuses in 1999
The Establishment of Policia Nacional Timor Lorosae and Forcas Defesa Timor Lorosae
Conflicts Since the Restoration of Independence
“December 4” Riot in 2002
2006 Political Crisis
Military Operations in Ermera District and Baucau Municipality
Conclusion
References
4 Democratic Discourse and Consensus in Timor-Leste: Reintegration to Neoliberal Capitalism?
Introduction
Consensus and the Rise of Emblems
Democratization and Democratic Discourse
I
II
III
IV
Conclusion
References
5 Provedoria Dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça: Between Human Rights Activism and Limitations
Introduction
Human Rights in Timor-Leste
History and Roles of the PDHJ
Activism: Bridging Civil Society and Government
Monitoring the Political and Military Crisis in 2006
Gaps in Activism, Advocacy and Implementation
Conclusion
References
6 Political Uncertainty and Its Implications for Wellbeing Rights of Timorese Society
Introduction
Formation of the VII Constitutional Government
Causes of Political Uncertainty
Individual Factors
Historical Factors
Economic Factors
Implications for Wellbeing Rights
Some Alternative Solutions
Conclusion
References
7 Patriarchy and Women’s Rights in Timor-Leste
Introduction
Women in a Patriarchal Society
Women in Politics
Women’s Rights in Land Tenure
Conclusion
References
8 The Neglected Rights of Elderly Women in Timor-Leste
Introduction
The Situation of Elderly People in Timor-Leste
Forms of Elderly Women’s Abuse and Negligence
Case 1: Elderly Woman Living Alone in Baucau
Case 2: Elderly Woman Facing Physical and Financial Abuse in the Community
Case 3: Elderly Woman with no Access to Family Care and Services
Analysis
Conclusion
References
9 Environmental Justice in Timor-Leste: Legal Practices and Challenges
Introduction
Policies and Laws in Timor-Leste
Implementation of Environmental Laws Relating to Large Industrial and Infrastructure Projects
Projects and Status Related to Legal Provisions
Conclusion
References
Index
