Timor-Leste
From 1975 until 1999, women, children, men, and members of the LGBTQI+ community were subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence during Indonesia’s brutal occupation of Timor-Leste. Despite the work of survivors and civil society organisations, decades have passed without their right to reparation being respected. For some, it is unfortunately too late.
Reparation remains urgent in Timor-Leste. Decades have passed since the violence, and most survivors are now elderly. Years of discrimination, limited access to healthcare, and unaddressed trauma have left many in poor health, affecting their quality of life and ability to fully fight for their right to reparation.
Its timely delivery must be a critical consideration of the government. Authorities should provide full support to and follow the guidance of the Centro Nacional Chega! (CNC), the most recent body created for following up on the recommendations of the past truth commission.
In 2023, the Global Survivors Fund (GSF) and our partners Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) and Asosiasaun Chega! Ba Ita! (ACbit), began an interim reparative measures project across all 13 municipalities.
2022
WORK BEGAN
13
LOCATIONS
455
SURVIVORS
Slowly, we women—who gave so much for independence, even our bodies—are being recognized. Still, I hope for greater acknowledgment from the state and proper memorialization of places like Hotel Flamboyan, where many atrocities occurred. Future generations need to know our history and honor the sacrifices we made.
455 survivors of rape, sexual slavery, and sexual torture in detention centres, as well as children born of sexual violence, were identified during the first phase of the project. Children were also directly impacted by conflict-related sexual violence during the occupation - some were taken to Indonesia, while others suffered abuse while serving as military operations assistants. For many survivors, this was the first time they had ever spoken of the violence they were subjected to.
Survivors co-created their individual and collective interim reparative measures, which they began to receive in September 2024. These measures include:
Financial measures that they chose to use for: home renovations, livelihood projects, education and other urgent needs;
Medical and psychological care, addressing the long-term health impacts of conflict-related sexual violence;
Legal and paralegal assistance, to help survivors access their rights.
Alongside these individual measures, survivors have collectively chosen to create a memory book to document their experiences and receive recognition letters from the government acknowledging the harm they endured.
The Global Reparations Study on Timor-Leste