Human Rights Violations in East Timor
The Portuguese first colonized the island of Timor, of which East Timor is part of along with West Timor, in 1520. The next three centuries marked attempts by the Spanish, the Dutch, and the British to colonize the island. These attempts were successful, but Portuguese sovereignty over East Timor was finalized due to treaties signed in 1860 and 1893. Later, during World War I, Timor became under the control of the Japanese, until the Portuguese once again regained possession. However, in 1975, political movements and civil war broke out causing so-called "disappearances," executions, violence, crimes against humanity, and other atrocities. Twenty-five years later, in 1999, atrocities still exist in East Timor. Portugal ruled the colony with a ruthless and brutal regime during the years before WWI. Despite attempts to bring peace to the island by breaking up the local kingdoms, the people did not change their lifestyles. Though people attempted to rebel against Portuguese rule, their attempts were crushed. The Japanese took over the island in 1941. Following the takeover, a small group of Allied troops with support from the natives waged guerilla warfare against the occupiers. While the successes of the Allies we
After the War, the Portuguese fascist regime ruled the island as before. However, in 1974, the fall of the dictatorship completely changed the mentality on the island. Three main political parties emerged, each having its own goals. The UDT (pro Portugal) and the ASDT (pro Independence) formed a coalition and the ASDT became what is called as Fretilin. The other party, Adopedti (pro Indonesia) had little support in East Timor, but was backed by the military regime of General Suharto in Indonesia. Soon after, the UDT withdrew from the ASDT, and they staged a coup against the ASDT and Fretilin in the capital city of Dili. Fretilin opposed the coup, conquered the UDT forces, and set up their own government. The Indonesian army invaded the town of Batugade in December of 1975, causing more conflict. After the fall of Batugade, Fretilin declared independence, and the Indonesian army invaded Dili on the 7th December. This takeover was violent and the Indonesian Army executed thousands of civilians. More than 10% of the population of Dili were killed in the first four months, with a death toll nearing between 60,000 - 100,000 lives. ( easttimor.com ) Overall, the situation in East Timor is horrible and some kind of action must be done. The world seems to be ignoring the East Timorese pleas for help. Recently, more action has been done to end these crimes against the people of East Timor. No race has the right to go throught what the people of East Timor have undergone. Torture, kidnappings, disappearances, and death have been commonplace in their country
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Approximate Word count = 1061
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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