Indonesia-Timor Leste Commission of Truth and Friendship

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The Indonesia-Timor Leste Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) is a truth commission established by Indonesia and East Timor in August 2005. Its mandate is to investigate human rights violations by Indonesia and its armed forces during the occupation of East Timor, particularly the events and atrocities leading up to and surrounding the 1999 referendum on East Timor's independence, and the process of independence. The terms of reference of the CTF describe it as a mechanism which has a the role of

Further promoting friendship and cooperation between governments and peoples of the two countries, and promoting intra and inter-communal reconciliation to heal the wounds of the past.

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[edit] Criticism

It has received criticism from a number of parties. Both Indonesian, East Timorese and international NGOs have been critical of the process. One coalition of groups claimed that the CTF

"is clearly intended to pardon those guilty of serious human rights violations in East Timor, without regard to their degree of culpability"

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The United Nations has criticised the commission and declined to participate, citing its principle of not supporting bodies that offer legal impunity for serious crimes and crimes against humanity. The Catholic Church also opposed the establishment of the commission.