Mandate

Purpose: The Commission is an independent statutory authority that will inquire into human rights violations committed on all sides, between April 1974 and October 1999, and facilitate community reconciliation with justice for those who committed less serious offenses. The Commission will not give amnesty.

Structure: The Commission will be headed by 7 National Commissioners. In addition to a national office, the Commission is expected to have up to 6 regional offices, headed by 25-30 Regional Commissioners. Commission offices will be staffed by East Timorese, and supported by a small number of international technical experts.

Functions:

The Commission has three main functions:

1. Truth Seeking: The Commission will seek the truth regarding human rights violations in East Timor within the context of the political conflicts between 25 April 1974 and 25 October 1999. The Commission will establish a truth-telling mechanism for victims and perpetrators to describe, acknowledge, and record human rights abuses of the past.
2. Community Reconciliation: The Commission will facilitate community reconciliation by dealing with past cases of lesser crimes such as looting, burning and minor assault. In each case, a panel comprised of a Regional Commissioner and local community leaders will mediate between victims and perpetrators to reach agreement on an act of reconciliation to be carried out by the perpetrator.
3. Recommendations to Government: The Commission will report on its findings and make recommendations to the government for further action on reconciliation and the promotion of human rights.