Rethinking Human Rights and Peace in Post-Independence Timor-Leste Through Local Perspectives

Description

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. 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