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.
Denne historien er fra July - August 2019-utgaven av Australian Geographic Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra July - August 2019-utgaven av Australian Geographic Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SULAWESI SENSATIONS
There are worlds within worlds and marvels untold waiting to be experienced on Indonesia's remote islands.
SEARCHING FOR AUSSIE DINOSAURS
Our understanding of where to find ancient life in Australia has been turned on its head by a new appreciation of the country's geology. Now the world is looking to our vast outback as the latest hotspot to locate fossils.
THE HARDEST NIGHT
The first Australian ascent of Mt Everest in 1984 is one of the great feats of mountaineering. Climbed by a small team semi-alpine style, with no bottled oxygen, via the Great (Norton) Couloir, it remains unrepeated 40 years later.
WEDGE-TAILED WONDER
The chance discovery of an eagle nest leads to an extended vigil observing normally hidden behaviours of one of nature's supreme winged marvels.
BURDENED BY BEAUTY
Northern Australia's Gouldian finch survives in huge numbers in cages around the world, but its wild population continues to struggle.
A TELESCOPE FOR A GOLDEN AGE
After a stellar 50 years as one of the country's major scientific assets, the AAT continues to play a major role in keeping Australian astronomy on the world stage.
COCKY WHISPERING AT COOMALLO CREEK
This patch of remnant bush on the edge of the West Australian wheatbelt is a place loved by one of Australia's rarest bird species and the man who has studied the site for more than 50 years.
A PIONEERING PAIR
Louisa Atkinson and her mother, Charlotte, were among Australia's earliest authors, and pioneers in women's rights.
THE LONGEST WALK
Lucy Barnard is walking from Argentina to Alaska -the length of the Americas - on an extraordinary journey of endurance and adventure.
SECLUDED, BUT NOT ALONE
In an era of heightened social isolation, where many of us lead lonely lives, Dangar Island offers the chance to be part of a supportive, connected community.
