Author: david

History professor, Bishop's University, Quebec, Canada

Ten years since the Indonesia/ Timor-Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship II: Asia Justice and Rights

July 22, 2018

Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR), based in Indonesia, is one of the key organizations carrying forward the work of “socializing” truth commission reports and recommendations. Part of a network of groups linked to the International Center for Transitional Justice, it works to disseminate, popularize and push for implementation of truth and reconciliation. Its infographic marking… More Ten years since the Indonesia/ Timor-Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship II: Asia Justice and Rights

Ten years since the Indonesia/Timor-Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship I: Wikipedia research article

July 19, 2018

In July 2008, the joint Indonesia/Timor-Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship handed in its report. Ten years after, the CTF remains the only bilateral truth commission sponsored by two governments anywhere in the world. To mark ten years of the CTF, we share several retrospective pieces. The first is a research summary produced by Nicholas… More Ten years since the Indonesia/Timor-Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship I: Wikipedia research article

New book: Engaged Anthropology

April 4, 2018

Stuart Kirsch’s new book, Engaged Anthropology: Politics Beyond the Text, has just been released by the University of California Press. Does anthropology have more to offer than just its texts? In this timely and remarkable book, Stuart Kirsch shows how anthropology can—and why it should—become more engaged with the problems of the world. Engaged Anthropology draws on the author’s… More New book: Engaged Anthropology

Growing Flowers in a Prison: Timor-Leste’s new hub of post-conflict best practice

March 12, 2018

By Pat Walsh Some may feel that ‘growing flowers in a prison’ is counter-intuitive or that the idea of growing delicate flowers in the confines of a concrete box is doomed to failure. The title appealed to me, however, for a few reasons. First, I am on what I call ‘gardening leave’ from Timor-Leste and… More Growing Flowers in a Prison: Timor-Leste’s new hub of post-conflict best practice

Digging-Up the Past, Finally: A Look into Cambodia’s Attempt at Retributive and Restorative Justice

January 26, 2018

By Jocelyn Grubb  Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge killed a fifth of Cambodia’s (then the Democratic of Kampuchea) population, totaling 1-2 million people. During the 20 tumultuous years which followed, there was a general resistance to “digging up past horrors”. The country and new government chose not to participate in official truth-seeking at… More Digging-Up the Past, Finally: A Look into Cambodia’s Attempt at Retributive and Restorative Justice

Now in Open Access: Flowers in the Wall

January 24, 2018

Flowers in the Wall: Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Melanesia is now available for free Open Access download, thanks to University of Calgary Press. Click to access downloadable pdf version What is the experience of truth and reconciliation? What is the purpose of a truth commission? What lessons can be learned from established truth and… More Now in Open Access: Flowers in the Wall

Call for contributions

January 20, 2018

Do you have something to say about truth and reconciliation in Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Melanesia? About wider aspects of reconciliation in global or local perspective? About other aspects that link to peace, reconciliation, and human rights in Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific? If so, this web site on Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste, Indonesia… More Call for contributions

Truth & reconciliation in Southeast Asia & the Melanesian Pacific: a project summary

December 13, 2017

Can historians be peacemakers? Recent experiences with truth and reconciliation processes in Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific suggest that they can be. There is a role for historical research and memory in helping to build sustainable peace and stability in new nations. On the other hand, ignoring violent pasts undermines peacebuilding efforts. In the… More Truth & reconciliation in Southeast Asia & the Melanesian Pacific: a project summary