Minister Agios Pereira defends justice and peace as essential for development at regional seminar « Government of Timor-Leste

Today, August 28, 2024, Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, on behalf of Prime Minister Kay Rala, delivered the keynote speech on the transition to lasting peace”. The event, which will take place in Dili until August 30, 2024, is initiated by the National Centre Chega! (CNC) in partnership with Asia for Justice and Rights (AJAR), Asosiasaun Chega! Ba Ita (ACbit) and the Transitional Justice Asia Network (TJAN).

The symposium was part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the 30 August 1999 referendum and aimed to establish a platform to share experiences and successful practices in promoting peace and transitional justice in the Asia-Pacific region. Over three days, representatives from different civil society organizations, survivors and transitional justice experts discussed strategies to ensure that transitional justice initiatives are effective and contribute to sustainable peace.

In his speech, Minister Agio Pereira recalled the first years of East Timor’s independence, highlighting the challenges faced during the presidency of Xanana Gusmao from 2002 to 2007 and then during his first term as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2012. Agio Pereira spoke of the first steps in building a democratic State. He also stressed the importance of civil society, especially youth groups, in the national liberation struggle.

The minister argued that “development depends on justice and peace. Without these pillars, development is impossible. Justice and peace are necessary conditions for development.”

The symposium was attended by prominent figures including UN Advisor Ian Martin and ASEAN Parliamentarian for Human Rights Mercy Chriesty Barends. During the event, important topics such as violence prevention, community reconciliation initiatives and transitional justice challenges in Southeast Asia and the Pacific were discussed.

In parallel with the discussion, civil society groups organized an exhibition showcasing the community’s efforts and achievements in promoting peace and defending the rights of victims.