"Rebuilding a Nation"

How do you build a nation from the ashes of conflict?

Spurred by a movement of independence, the Timorese declared independence from Portugal in 1975, only to be invaded by Indonesian forces. In the 1999 Popular Consultation, organized by the UN, the people of Timor-Leste exercised their right to self-determination when they chose to be an independent nation. In the 13 years since that historic decision, the Timorese, with UN support, created the safe and secure environment needed to define a constitution, build national institutions and nurture democracy. Within this safe boundary, the Timorese expressed their interests/views in democratic elections, truth and reconciliation processes, a growing free news media, and the arts. Through these thousands of conversations, the Timorese learned to appreciate one another as well as their institutions, borders and neighbouring countries. In this way,the Timorese achieved extraordinary development in healing division and overcoming a post-conflict legacy of anguish, uncertainty and suspicion. Equipped with their growing trust and experience, the Timorese gained over the past decade the ability to address the challenges of young nationhood, solve problems and make contributions to other post-conflict countries.

Today, the Timorese are resolute and determined to leave behind a past that for so long denied them the right to self-determination. As this portrait of Timor-Leste shows, the Timorese are indeed achieving true indpendence.

Extract from an UNMIT document issued on the eve of the departure of the UN peacekeepers from Timor-Leste, leaving the young nation truly independent.