Born into war and violence, Timor-Leste’s millennials are shaping the new country’s future.
THIS IS A HUGELY significant year in the history of Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor), one of Australia’s closest neighbours and one of the world’s newest nations. It marks the 20th anniversary of the Popular Consultation, the independence referendum that took place on 30 August 1999. On that day the Timor-Leste people exercised their right to self-determination and voted overwhelmingly for independence.
This year also marks 20 years since Australian troops were deployed to Timor-Leste as part of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), the peacekeeping task force that from 1999 into 2000 addressed the humanitarian and security crisis facing the country. INTERFET was led by Australia with (then) Major General Peter Cosgrove at its helm, involved 21 countries and made an important contribution at a critical time in Timor-Leste’s history.
Many Australians, including a large contingent of INTERFET veterans, are expected to attend Timor-Leste’s anniversary celebrations and the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, is working closely with the government-appointed organising committee to ensure commemorations reflect Australia’s involvement.
I’M STANDING WITH human rights lawyer Patrick Burgess on the terrace of an old Portuguese pousada (guesthouse) on a hill above Maubisse, a mountain village in Timor-Leste. We watch as low clouds part in the valley far below, revealing a flooded paddock on which a music festival will soon begin.
In a while, we will head down there to begin filming – we are making a documentary about how young people are shaping a positive future for the formerly war-ravaged country through music, film and art.
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