Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste (aka East Timor) was a truly unique experience. We were warmly welcomed to this beautiful island nation and were impressed with the many actions being done there to improve human rights issues. Given Timor-Leste’s difficult past of colonization, occupation, and war, human rights violations have historically been rife. Though there are still many issues plaguing the country today (like domestic violence), there has been a period of relative peace since its official independence in 2002, and the government is eager to patch up the wounds of the past and move on to a stable and prosperous future.

More than 60 percent of Timor Leste’s population is under 25, so there is a lot of emphasis being placed on education and there are many efforts being made to ensure that young people are taught their human rights from an early age. We had the opportunity to visit a youth community center called Ba Futuru and were really impressed with the work they’re doing. By teaching young people useful skills (English language, job skills, etc.) and educating them about human rights and other key issues, they are helping to create a generation that will know their rights and know how to defend them.

Ba Futuru hosted an event for Youth for Human Rights International while we were there which was a big success. Children from many areas came out to see our PSAs and hear several speeches. They also organized a traditional percussive dance for us and held a workshop at the end of the event to discuss human rights with the children. A Timor-Leste national television crew was there and an agreement was signed to put the Youth for Human Rights public service announcements on Timorese TV. This is very exciting news!

After the event, we were able to squeeze in some important meetings and have been able to secure a great deal of support from the government and international groups working to improve Timor-Leste. It’s clear that this is a country is really working to make a happier life for its people.