We started the day with the session; Human rights, a global responsibility? The session was facilitated by UNMITs human rights and transitional justice group. They had a brief presentation of the definitions of human rights and how they are implemented, as well as a presentation of how they work with human rights in Timor-Leste. Towards the end of the session we divided into groups of four were we discussed how human rights breaches should be dealt with in relation to bringing justice to those who have been victimized. Do we need justice, or should we just forget. If justice is needed, how do we deliver it?
The second session of the day was ACEUs session. They gave a brief introduction to the governmental history of Colombia since the 1940s and the development into the neoliberal regime of president Uribe. They explained the difficulties for university students and how the government interfers with the universities and use the military against the illegal student organizations.
After lunch ABFSU facilitated the session; Boycotting the 2010 election and looking for regional peace in the future. They presented the history of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions wich was founded by General Aung San, the father of Aung San Su Kyi. After the military coup in the mid 1960s by the SDPC all students unions became illegal and ABFSU had to go under ground, which they have been since.
During 2010 there will be an election in Burma, but because of the constitution of 2008 there is no real hope of a fair and democratic election. ABFSU therefore opts to boycott an election that will only legitimize the military regime in the country.
The last session of the day was the second of the four communication workshops. In this session we tried to identify the Laureates expectations of the conference and what results they want to achieve during our five days together. Everyone expressed a wish to strengthen the cooperation and communication between eachother, and hoped that by the end of the conference we have created good structures for communication, information and solidarity.
After the sessions on Wednesday we were invited to dinner at the Norwegian embassy office in Timor-Leste. Since arriving in Dili, and during the planning of the conference, we have had a lot of contact with the Norwegian office in Dili. The office is a part of the Jakarta embassy in Indonesia, and is headed by Hans Peter Christophersen. Among the guests at the dinner was the Cuban ambassador to Timor-Leste, the Norwegian ambassador to Indonesia, Eivind Homme, Bishop Gunnar Staalsett, the minister of education in Timor-Leste and the opposition leader which many believe will be the next president of Timor-Leste.
The Laureates got the opportunity to share their histories to the guests and create valuable networks. The hospitality of the Norwegian office in Dili is highly appreciated, both by us as organizers, but also by the Laureates
Jonas Sønnesyn
