Videos: Trust

Woman finds justice for domestic violence in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste passed a law in May 2010 that makes domestic violence against women and children a punishable crime. The law provides for the prevention of, and protection from, domestic violence as well as for assistance for victims of domestic violence. With the law finally on her side, Maria Laura Abrantes found the courage to seek justice after years of abuse. She tells her story to give hope to other women in her country.

Road to peace in Timor-Leste is paved with trust

In 2001 the Timor-Leste Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) recorded the stories of 8,000 people who told of the suffering they endured from 1974 to 1999 under the Indonesian occupation. Antonia Carmen da Cruz was a resistance fighter in the guerrilla struggle. She joined the CAVR in 2003 as coordinator of the radio programme The Road to Peace. The programme broadcast the CAVR's goals and findings and covered all of the public hearings that were carried out across the country.

Humility, empathy and moral courage are keys to transitional justice

Transitional justice is an approach that helps countries to make the transition from conflict to peace. Transitional justice recognizes the rights of victims, promotes civic trust and strengthens the democratic rule of law. Louis Gentile, UNMIT's Chief of Human Rights and Transitional Justice believes that in order to help a nation design effective transitional justice programmes, international human rights workers must have humility, empathy and moral courage.

Former militia members find forgiveness in their communities

The people of East Timor rejected special autonomy under Indonesia when they voted in the Popular Consultation on 30 August 1999. Immediately following the vote, a wave of arson and terror spread throughout the country, and militia members carried out many acts of violence against citizens. In 2004, a special tribunal set up at Dili district court found former militia members 'Mr. A' and 'Mr. M' guilty of crimes against humanity. After serving their sentences in prison, they were released in 2008 and welcomed back by their families and communities. Their stories, and the stories of other members of their community, are of justice and forgiveness.

Former freedom fighter works to free Timorese from poverty

When Indonesian forces invaded Timor-Leste in December 1975 many Timorese fled into to the interior where they fought a 24-year guerrilla struggle against the occupiers. Maria Rosa da Kamora was a member of the Timorese Resistance. Although she celebrates Timor-Leste's hard-won freedom, she has not stopped fighting. Today, as a member of parliament, she wages a battle against poverty. She talks about her experience in the mountains fighting for freedom and what she and her colleagues are fighting for now.

Jackie Chan asks 'What are you doing for peace?', 2009

The United Nations family conducted a nationwide campaign called 'What are you doing for peace?' that used television and radio announcements, posters and public events to promote the idea that everyone has an important role to play in maintaining a peaceful society. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan was a spokesman for the campaign, encouraging the young people of Timor-Leste to work for peace in their country.

Equality in the eyes of the law, human rights promotion campaign, 2011

This television spot promotes Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.

Freedom of expression, human rights promotion campaign, 2011

This television spot promotes Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- Freedom of expression.

Athletes with disabilities encourage participation in sports, 2010

Produced with Timor-Leste's Secretariat for Youth and Sports, this announcement features Timorese athletes each with disabilities shown during their training sessions. The spot closes with the message, 'I can do it!'