Dili, March 5, 2026 – Centro Nacional Chega! I.P. held a National Conference on Reparations Policy on “Reparation, A Path to Dignify Victims of Political Conflict (1974-1999),” aimed to gather participants’ insights, suggestions, and recommendations to finalize the draft of the Reparations Law and Reparations Policy. Furthermore, it sought to deepen participants’ understanding and continue the advocacy for reparations for the victims. The event was attended by representatives from government entities, civil society organizations, academia, youth organizations, and resistance organizations, which took place at the Centro Chega! Conference Room, Antigo Comarca Balide-Dili.
The conference featured several distinguished speakers, including Mr. Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, who spoke on “Centro Chega!’s Mandate and the Reparative Services for Victims and Survivors.” Dra. Bárbara Oliveira, a Consultant at Legal Social Consultancy (JU, S), presented on “Reparation as a National Policy: A Presentation of the Draft National Policy for the Reparation of Victims of Political Conflict 1974-1999.” The Ombudsman of Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan,” spoke on “The Role of the State in Ensuring the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Justice.” While the Excellency Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), Ms. Céu Brites, spoke on “Government Policy on Protection for Vulnerable Populations.” The session was moderated by Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier, Executive Director of FONGTIL, as well as a Board Member of Centro Chega!.
In his opening remarks, Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru,” Minister of National Liberation Combatant Affairs (MNLCA), emphasized the importance of supporting the national policy of reparations for survivors through the Draft Policy and Law on Reparations, developed by Centro Chega! in collaboration with its partners. He stated that addressing the issues faced by survivors is a national concern, as it is linked to the history of Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence. In 2024, the National Parliament (PN) amended the National Liberation Combatants law concerning the patriots of liberation. Consequently, the Draft Policy and Law on Reparations was created to offer more effective solutions, particularly in terms of implementation mechanisms.
“Let us seek solutions and strengthen the prepared reparation policy as we work to address issues, particularly regarding the history of the struggle for national liberation,” stated the Minister during the opening of the National Conference.
The Minister planned to convene a meeting with various organizations and institutions dedicated to history, such as the Timrese Resistance Archives and Museum (AMRT), the National Liberation Combatant Council (KKLN), Centro Nacional Chega! (CNC I.P), and the Steering Committee 25 aims to tackle the problems of the past.
“Today, our children, their parents made history, but unfortunately, their children lack a strong understanding of it. This creates a significant obstacle; when someone has made history yet does not know how to reveal it, it can lead to disaster. It resembles a growing leaf with burdened fruits but lacks strong roots – this is a serious matter.” – Minister concerned.
Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!I.P, highlighted the purpose of this national conference as a forum for collecting opinions, suggestions, and recommendations from all stakeholders regarding the Draft Policy and Law Reparations improvements.
“The public consultation will take place four times this year before June. The first is in Dili, followed by Aileu, Bobonaro, and Viqueque. This initiative will continue until the end of March, allowing for the gathering of views, comments, and suggestions aimed at improving and strengthening the proposed draft of reparations,” he explained.
He emphasized that the preparation of both the Draft Policy and the Law of Reparation is not solely the work of Centro Chega!; rather, it is a collective effort involving various ministerial departments, state departments, and government entities. These drafts were developed as a gesture to prove that implementing reparative measures is entirely feasible.
During its 8 years of existence, Centro Chega! has been actively introducing and realizing reparation programs for the most vulnerable victims. Their initiatives include constructing homes for 26 victims (known as Memory Houses), launching economic empowerment programs that provided small funds to 15 victims, and offering scholarships to 36 victims’ children. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), they have facilitated punctual payments to 443 victims. Furthermore, in collaboration with APPSTL, Centro Chega! has delivered mental health treatment to 36 victims of past conflicts and has erected monuments as symbols of reparation while also organizing a total of 67 commemorative events with the victims.
Aniceto Guro Berteni Neves, a Member of the Board of Administration of Centro Chega!, represented the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (VMAP) to express appreciation for the initiative undertaken by Centro Chega! I.P in organizing this national conference. The event aims to collect thoughts, opinions, suggestions, and recommendations from various entities focused on both the Draft of Reparation Policy and the Draft of Reparation Law.
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