O Presidente da República

Message to the Nation by
H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
To mark the occasion of
International Human Rights Day

Dili, 10th December, 2003

Today, 10th December, 2003, International Human Rights Day is celebrated all over the world.

Respect for human rights is the fundamental basis for good interaction between being human and the guarantee of a democratic society, where tolerance and mutual respect exist and where social justice gives dignity to people.

We live in a world of intolerance where hatred and revenge pervert the minds and hearts and block the path of dialogue and of respect for the lives of others.

It is the obligation of all, men and women, adults and youths, countries and peoples, ethnicities and religions to work resolutely for the assumption and respect for human rights, as a condition for world peace.

In Timor-Leste, we are beginning a process of self-determination. We will be able to determine our destiny.

It is in this process, which has begun well, that we will continue to concentrate our attention on the respect for human rights.

Human rights in Timor-Leste should be seen in two aspects:

On the one hand, the tenacious combat against violence, the tenacious combat against injustice, against corruption.

On the other hand, human rights should be seen in the constant effort to improve the living conditions of the people. The right to potable water, the right to decent housing, the right to information, the right to food, the right to medical assistance, the right to education, etc, should continue to guide the thoughts and actions of those governing, so that independence brings tangible benefits to the population.

With our commitment, we will contribute towards a better world where people are more in solidarity with each other, where people believe in tolerance, in justice and in peace.

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