The Report of the Timor-Leste
Publicado em: The Report of the Timor-Leste
This seminar will analyse the histories behind the Chega! Report published in 2005 by the Commission of Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) of Timor-Leste, and which sits at CES Library, Biblioteca Norte-Sul.
Once described by President Ramos-Horta as “an encyclopedia of our history”, this work details Timor-Leste’s history between 1974 and 1999 in five volumes, in particular the history of the struggle for self-determination by the East Timorese people that results from an inquiry into the massive human rights violations during the internal conflict and the 24-years Indonesian occupation. Through the first-hand experience by one of CAVR’s historical research advisers and activist for Timor-Leste’s independence, Professor Akihisa Matsuno will discuss the process of truth-seeking and historical research, through the variety of methods used by CAVR — statement taking, social surveys, oral history interviews, discussion forums — and the objectives of its mandate.
In this seminar the presenters will also discuss what the preservation of these histories represents nowadays and its possible futures, through the work of Centro Nacional Chega! (CNC), a public institute which is a museum and site of conscience, an archives and education centre, and a place that promotes reconciliation initiatives and offers solidarity and support to former survivors of the conflict. CNC is focused in creating space for intergenerational transmission of memories by commemorating historical events, mapping historical sites, organizing educational tours that allow students to visit historical sites and to hear the testimonials of survivors.
As we celebrate the 49th anniversary of the unilateral proclamation of independence of Timor-Leste by FRETILIN on this day and, in the year of 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, this seminar will also be an opportunity to reflect on the East Timorese memories of the the 25th April 1974 and the initiatives that CNC organised to mark this event, including the decolonisation period and the role of Portugal in this history.
This event is part of the project entitled Transnational histories of solidarity in the south – researching ‘other’ knowledges and struggles for rights across the Indian ocean (CEECIND/00620/2018/)