Manatuto, September 19, 2025.
Adérito Hugo da Costa, Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (VMAP, in Tetum), Expedito Dias Ximenes, Secretary of State for Social Communication, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, the Authority of Manatuto Municipality, and the Political Conflict Victims Association (974-1999 have presented a house known as the Memory House to Irenie Bi-Bui Fátima de Sousa, a survivor in the Village of Kairui, Laleia Administrative Post, Municipality of Manatuto. This initiative is part of implementing the recommendations of Chega!, with a focus on the “Reparation of Victims.” The house is intended to honor and dignify Irenie’s contributions to the struggle for Timor-Leste’s independence.
The VMAP explained that the house is a gesture of solidarity from the state of Timor-Leste. “On behalf of the Ministry of the Council of Ministers, we thank CNC and its team, along with the commissioners. The state and the government appreciate your dedication to assisting those facing challenges in our community,” Adérito stated.
Hugo Maria Fernandes emphasized that Irenie deserves to receive this house as a recognition of her significant contributions to the independence process. It symbolizes the collective memory of her efforts.
Expedito Dias Ximenes, who is from Laleia, expressed gratitude to the IX Constitutional Government for constructing the house for Irenie. He described it as a sign of recognition for the people of Laleia’s contributions to independence.
Domingos P. de Araújo Moniz, Coordinator of the Victims Association, acknowledged that the state, through the government, has commenced to support victims and survivors, although this support does not yet cover all of them. He emphasized that progress is being made step by step.
“On behalf of the Victims Association, we thank the Government through Centro Chega! for building this house for survivors. It reflects the government’s responsibility to support those who live vulnerable lives,” Domingos stated.
Irenie is a survivor and a beneficiary of UMbE (Uma Memória ba Esperança. She is a victim of past human rights violations and currently lives with a physical disability. She expressed her gratitude to the IX Constitutional Government through Centro Chega! for building this house, which serves as a shelter for her family. The house measures 63 square meters and includes 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living room, along with an outdoor kitchen that is 7.5 square meters.
The Division of Education and Training at Centro Chega! has registered 20 of the most vulnerable survivors who received housing through the UMbE program.
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