LH apresia intensaun Governu atu kansela projetu Pelican Paradise

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La’o Hamutuk hato’o apresiasaun ba anúnsiu Governu Timor-Leste atu kansela projetu Pelican Paradise. Desizaun ida ne’e mosu iha kontestu ne’ebé projetu durante tinan barak la hatudu progresu ne’ebé proporsional ho eskala no promesa inisiál, iha tempu hanesan envolve preokupasaun kona-ba sustentabilidade, korrupsaun, violasaun komunidade nian direitu, transparénsia no risku fiskál.

La’o Hamutuk konsidera desizaun ida ne’e importante atu proteje interese Timor-Leste iha tempu naruk, mantén integridade institusionál no reforsa responsabilidade iha jestaun investimentu estranjeiru. Ami enkoraja Governu atu kontinua reforsa prevensaun rigorozu hodi proteje Timor-Leste husi risku estruturál relevante.

Hafoin projetu ida ne’e hahú iha tinan 2009, iha sinál barak ne’ebé hatudu problema sira, maibé proponente no Governu ignora. Iha Setembru 2009, projetu-na’in Edward Ong husi Malasia koko na’ok liu dolar biliaun ida husi Fundu Petrolíferu, uza kompañia ho naran “Asian Champ Investment”. Fulan neen tan, traballadór sira deskobre mate isin na’in sia (karik vítima husi Indonézia-nia okupasaun) iha fatin projetu. Maske nune’e, Ong iha planu atu loke kampu joga golf iha 2012. Iha 2014, autoridade ambientál informa LH katak Pelican Paradise kansela ona, maske sira hetan ona lisensa ambientál. Timor-Leste tenke aprende husi esperiénsia ida ne’e, no labele fiar investidór ka projetu sira ne’ebé iha indikadór ba mal-fé.

Projetu Pelican Paradise hahú dala ida tan iha tinan 2018, bainhira Governu aprova proposta Special Investment Agreement (SIA) ho valór maizumenus tokon $310. Iha tinan 2019, projetu ne’e aumenta ba maizumenus tokon $700 iha área Tasi-Tolu no Tibar ho ektare 558, ho objetivu atu dezenvolve kompleksu turístiku ho hotel fitun lima, kampu joga golf no infraestrutura seluk. Iha 2021, liu husi Rezolusaun Governu nian n.º 133/2021, Estadu Timor-Leste aprova projetu Pelican Paradise no proposta SIA, ne’ebé hatudu kontinuidade no responsabilidade institusionál iha relasaun ho investidór. Maibé durante tinan sira tuir mai, implementasaun projetu la hatudu progresu signifikante; sira kontinua mak halo renovasaun ba lisensa ambientál de’it. Relatóriu Auditoria 1/2024 husi Tribunal Rekursu identifika problema sira bainhira Estadu fó lisensa ba Pelican Paradise atu la selu ba aluga rai.

Iha tinan ikus 2023 sira investe ba setór edukasaun liu husi lansa eskola internasionál ida iha Dili, ho naran Pelican Grammar School ne’ebé hahú anó eskola iha Janeiru 2024. Iha 2025, empreza husu Estadu atu halo depózitu maizumenus tokon $180, ikus mai, iha 23 Marsu 2026 Governu anunsia intensaun atu kansela, enkuantu empreza kontestu no refere katak parte balun husi obrigasaun kontratual seidauk kumpre.

Esperiénsia Timor-Leste hatudu padraun repete repete iha kazu promesa ba investimentu balun ne’ebé levanta preokupasaun kona-ba boa-fé (onestidade), korrupsaun, viabilidade, transparénsia no kredibilidade. Ida ne’e, hatudu nesesidade atu reforsa sistema jestaun investimentu husi li’ur. Problema estruturál sira inklui due diligence la sufisiente, promesa boot maibé implementasaun limitadu, falta transparénsia kontratual no koordenasaun institusionál ne’ebé la efetivu.

Investimentu estranjeiru importante, maibé tenke asegura katak Timor-Leste kontinua iha sistema ne’ebé estavel, klaridade no responsabilidade. Projetu ne’ebé la klaru ka la sustentavel bele afeta konfiansa investidór ne’ebé sériu no aumenta risku disputa legál internasionál.

La’o Hamutuk rekomenda atu Timor-Leste kontinua reforsa jestaun públika investimentu liu husi verifikasaun rigorozu, prova kapasidade finanseiru independente no transparénsia kontratual. Estratéjia ida ne’e sei ajuda proteje rekursus públiku, hamenus risku no aumenta konfiansa ba investimentu sustentavel.

La’o Hamutuk sei kontinua apoia esforsu atu promove transparénsia, responsabilidade no prátika di’ak internasionál hodi asegura katak investimentu estranjeiru kontribui duni ba dezenvolvimentu sustentavel no benefísiu ba povu Timor-Leste.

LH appreciates Government’s intention to cancel the Pelican Paradise project

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La’o Hamutuk appreciates the announcement by the Government of Timor-Leste to cancel the Pelican Paradise project. This decision comes in a context where the project has not progressed proportional to its initial scale and promise, while at the same time raising concerns about sustainability, corruption, violations of community rights, transparency and financial risk.

La'o Hamutuk considers this decision important to protect Timor-Leste's long-term interests, maintain institutional integrity and strengthen accountability in managing foreign investment. We encourage the Government to continue to strengthen rigorous prevention to protect Timor-Leste’s people and interests.

Since this project started in 2009, there were many problematic signs, but the proponent and the Government ignored them. In September 2009, the owner of the project, Malaysian Edward Ong, tried to scam more than a billion dollars from Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund, through a company called “Asian Champ Investment”. Six months later, workers discovered nine corpses (probably victims from Indonesia's occupation) at the project site. However, Ong planned to open a golf course by 2012. In 2014, the environmental authority informed La’o Hamutuk that the project was cancelled, although it already had received an environmental license. Timor-Leste should learn from this experience, and not trust investors or projects with indicators of bad faith.

Pelican Paradise restarted in 2018, when the Government approved a Special Investment Agreement (SIA) proposal of approximately $310 million. In 2019, the project increased to approximately $700 million in the areas of Tasi-Tolu and Tibar with an area of 558 hectares, with the aim of developing a tourist complex with a five star hotel, golf course and other infrastructure. In 2021, through Government Resolution 133/2021, the State of Timor-Leste approved the project and the SIA, showing continuing institutional responsibility to the investor. However, during the following years, project implementation did not show significant progress; they only continued to renew its environmental license. Audit Report 1/2024 by Timor-Leste’s Chamber of Accounts identified problems with rent exemptions granted to Pelican Paradise. 

Pelican Paradise invested in education by launching an international school in Dili, known as Pelican Grammar School, which opened in January 2024. In 2025, the company asked the State to deposit about $180 million. Finally, on 23 March 2026 the Government announced its intention to cancel the project, although the company rejects this, referring to parts of the contractual obligation not being fulfilled.

Timor-Leste's experience shows a recurrent pattern of promised investments that raise concerns about good faith, corruption, feasibility, transparency and credibility. This shows the need to strengthen the external investment management system. Structural problems include inadequate “due diligence,” great promises but limited implementation, lack of contract transparency, and ineffective institutional coordination.

Foreign investment is important, but we need to be certain that Timor-Leste continues to have a stable system, clarity and accountability. Unclear or unsustainable projects can affect the confidence of serious investors and increase the risk of international legal disputes.

La'o Hamutuk recommends that Timor-Leste continue to strengthen public investment management through strict verification, proof of independent financial capacity and contractual transparency. This strategy will help protect public resources, reduce risks and increase confidence in sustainable investments.

La'o Hamutuk will continue to support efforts to promote international transparency, accountability and good practice to ensure that foreign investment is contributing to sustainable development and benefits for the people of Timor-Leste.

Agresaun kriminál husi Estadus Unidus Amerika no Izraél kontra Iraun: Apelu De-eskalasaun, Respeitu ba Lei Internasionál no Preservasaun Estabilidade Global

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La’o Hamutuk manifesta preokupasaun profunda kona-ba intensifikasaun konflitu militár iha Médiu Oriente ne’ebé envolve Izraél, Estadus Unidus no Iraun. Evolusaun ida ne’e, tuir informasaun publika disponivel no análize normativu tuir lei internasionál, hamosu agravamentu situasaun seguransa rejionál no global, no impaktu umanitáriu no ekonómiku ne’ebé sériu. EUA nian atake ba Iraun nudár krime, violasaun kontra lei internasionál, viola karta ONU no kontra rasik Konstituisaun EUA.

Konflitu ida ne’e dala ida tan reprezenta violasaun ba orden internasionál ne’ebé bazeadu ba regra sira no ba integridade sistema seguransa koletivu tuir Karta Nasoins Unidas. Lei internasionál tenke aplika ho koerénsia, imparsialidade no konsisténsia ba parte hotu, independentemente husi aliansa polítika ka interese estratéjiku.

Timor-Leste, hanesan nasaun ne’ebé hetan benefísiu husi lei no solidariedade internasionál no sistema multilaterál iha ninian prosesu manán soberania no konstrui estadu, iha responsabilidade moral no istórika atu defende orden internasionál ne’ebé bazeadu ba lei, soberania iguál no rezolusaun pasífiku konflitu sira.

Obrigatoriedade Lei Internasionál no Limitasaun Uza Forsa

Tuir Artigu 2(4) Karta Nasoins Unidas, estadu sira iha obrigasaun atu la uza ameasa ka uza forsa kontra integridade territorial ka independénsia polítika Estadu rai seluk. Prinsípiu ida ne’e mak pilar fundamental ba estabilidade no seguransa internasionál.

Artigu 51 Karta Nasoins Unidas rekoñese direitu naturál autodefeza individual ka koletiva bainhira atake armadu akontese. Maibé, ezersísiu direitu ne’e tenke respeita estritamente prinsípiu nesesidade no proporsionalidade, no presiza iha fundamentasaun objetiva, prova sufisiente no transparénsia.

Artigu 8bis Estatutu Roma define krime Agresaun “the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations."

Interpretasaun ne’ebé ultrapasa limite jurídiku ne’ebé iha lei internasionál bele halo fraku sistema seguransa koletivu no hamosu presedente perigozu ba lejítimasaun uza forsa unilaterál.

Direitu Internasionál Umanitáriu no Protesaun Sivíl

Hanesan konsekuénsia atake ida ne’e, liu ema na’in 500 iha Iraun lakon ona sira nia moris, no ema balu iha Izraél, forsa militár EUA nian, no rai seluk iha rejiaun. Chega!

Parte hotu iha obrigasaun atu respeita Direitu Internasionál Umanitáriu, inklui:

• Distinsaun estrita entre alvu militár no populasaun sivíl no objetu sivíl;
  
  
• Respeitu rigorozu ba prinsípiu proporsionalidade;
  
  
• Adosaun medida preventiva ne’ebé efetiva hodi hamenus risku ba populasaun sivíl no infraestrutura esensiál.

Protesaun sivíl sira nudár obrigasaun ba seguransa no dignidade umana tenke tau iha sentru konsiderasaun polítika no militár. Violasaun norma sira ne’e bele hamosu irresponsabilidade internasionál no halo kredibilidade orden global.

Multilateralizmu no Responsabilidade Koletiva

Sistema Nasoins Unidas iha papél sentrál atu prevene agravamentu konflitu no promove solusaun diplomátiku. Fortalesimentu diplomasia multilaterál no respeitu ba Karta Nasoins Unidas mak fundamentu ba seguransa globál.

Enfrakezimentu sistema multilaterál bele hamosu inseguransa jurídika internasionál no aumenta risku konfrontasaun sistémiku entre poténsia sira. Nasaun ki’ik hanesan Timor-Leste depende maka’as liu ba orden internasionál ne’ebé bazeadu ba regra no ba protesaun soberania iguál.

La’o Hamutuk Rekomenda ba;

1. Parte hotu liu-liu EUA no Izraél atu imediatamente hapara operasaun militár no hamenus tensaun;
   
   
2. Atu retornu diálogu diplomátiku ho boa fé no mediadu husi mekanizmu multilaterál;
   
   
3. Atu respeita integralmente Karta Nasoins Unidas, Estatutu Roma no Direitu Internasionál Umanitáriu;
   
   
4. Ba Governu Timor-Leste atu reafirma ninian pozisaun prinsipál pro-pás no pro-lei internasionál, no prepara medida preventiva hodi proteje populasaun husi impaktu ekonómiku global.

Paz no seguransa global la bele konstrui liu husi intensifikasaun militár. Forsa la bele substitui lei. Orden internasionál ne’ebé bazeadu ba regra sira mak garantia fundamental ba estabilidade global no protesaun ba nasaun ki’ik.

La’o Hamutuk reafirma katak diplomasia, diálogu no justisa mak fundamentu ba solusaun sustentavel no preservasaun dignidade umana.

Criminal aggression by the USA and Israel against Iran: Call for De-escalation, Respect for International Law and Preservation of Global Stability

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La’o Hamutuk expresses our deep concern about the intensification of military conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States and Iran. This evolution, according to available public information and analysis under international law, has exacerbated the regional and global security situation, and had serious humanitarian and economic impacts. The U.S. attack on Iran is a crime, a violation of international law, a violation of the UN charter and against the United States’ own Constitution.

This conflict once again represents a violation of the rules-based international order and the integrity of the collective security system under the United Nations Charter. International law must be applied with coherence, impartiality and consistency to all parties, regardless of political alliances or strategic interests.

Timor-Leste, as a country that benefited from international law and solidarity and the multilateral system in its process of gaining sovereignty and building a state, has a moral and historical responsibility to defend the international order based on law, equal sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

International Legal Obligations and Limitations on the Use of Force

According to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, states have an obligation not to threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states. This principle is a fundamental pillar of international stability and security.

Article 51 of the United Nations Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense in the event of an armed attack. However, the exercise of this right must strictly respect the principles of necessity and proportionality, and requires objective justification, sufficient evidence and transparency.

Article 8bis of the Rome Statute defines the crime of Aggression as “the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations."

Actions that violate boundaries set in international law weaken the collective security system and create a dangerous precedent for legitimizing the use of unilateral force.

International Humanitarian Law and Civil Protection

As a result of this attack, more than 500 people in Iran have lost their lives, as well as other people in Israel, U.S. military forces, and elsewhere in the region. Enough!

All parties have an obligation to respect International Humanitarian Law, including:

• Strict distinction between military targets and civilian populations and objects;

• Strict respect for the principle of proportionality;

• Adoption of effective preventive measures to reduce risks of harming the civilian population and essential infrastructure.

Civilian protection as an obligation to security and human dignity must be placed at the center of political and military considerations. Violations of these norms can lead to international irresponsibility and undermine the credibility of the global order.

Multilateralism and Collective Responsibility

The United Nations system is key to preventing conflict escalation and promoting diplomatic solutions. Strengthening multilateral diplomacy and respect for the United Nations Charter are the foundations of global security.

Weakening the multilateral system leads to international legal uncertainty and increases the risk of systemic confrontation between powers. A small country like Timor-Leste is more reliant on the rules-based international order and the protection of equal sovereignty.

La’o Hamutuk recommends:

1.  All parties, especially the U.S. and Israel, to immediately cease military operations and reduce tensions;
   
   
2. To return to good faith diplomatic dialogue, mediated by multilateral mechanisms;
   
   
3. To fully respect the United Nations Charter, the Rome Statute and international humanitarian law;
   
   
4.  For the Government of Timor-Leste to reaffirm its principal pro-peace and pro-international law positions, and prepare preventive measures to protect the population from global economic impacts.

Global peace and security cannot be built through military intensification. Force must not replace law. A rules-based international order is a fundamental guarantee of global stability and the protection of small nations.

La’o Hamutuk reaffirms that diplomacy, dialogue and justice are the foundation for sustainable solutions and the preservation of human dignity.

Defend Human Rights and Accountability for the People of Myanmar

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La’o Hamutuk, as an independent civil society organization working on ​​public policy analysis, democratic governance and human rights, contributes this open letter to the public discussion of the current legal investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Timor-Leste on allegations of serious international crimes against the people of Myanmar.

Through this letter, La’o Hamutuk expresses our view that justice must prevail, free from political pressure, and that human dignity must be the main reference in international relations including in Timor-Leste, Myanmar, ASEAN and the rest of the world. La’o Hamutuk encourages the Public Prosecutor’s Office to continue to carry out fully independent investigations, analysis and legal verification, in accordance with Articles 8.1, 9.2, 119 and 132 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, national law and international legal principles. A criminal investigation is the first step to assess if there is sufficient legal basis to proceed. This process is neither a criminal judicial trial nor a political decision.

Therefore, we call on all political authorities to respect the separation of powers and avoid statements that could be interpreted as attempts to direct or limit the judicial process. As a civil society organization that supports human rights and democracy, La’o Hamutuk highly appreciates the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP) and Da Silva Teixeira & Associates for bringing cases of human rights violations against the Chin people in Myanmar to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Timor-Leste. Unfortunately, human rights violations have occurred for many years in Myanmar and have become a global concern, but so far there has been no concrete international action to stop the continuing military dictatorship.

Rule of law and institutional independence

The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste guarantees the autonomy of the Public Prosecutor's Office and the independence of the courts as fundamental pillars of the democratic rule of law. This principle is not only a legal structure but must be the environment to ensure that the law is applied impartially, equally and with legal certainty.

When political powers encourage public opinion to guide judicial decisions, even if there is no direct intent to influence, it can create the perception of interference. Therefore, prudence in public communication is essential to protect the credibility of the Court and the Public Prosecutor.

The State of Timor-Leste is itself committed to the principle of democratic rule of law, including strengthening international solidarity, which is clearly stated in Article 10 of the RDTL Constitution: Timor-Leste will be in solidarity with all people who fight for national liberation. The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste grants political asylum, in accordance with the law, to foreigners persecuted for their struggle for national and social liberation, defense of human rights, democracy and peace. These legal principles have been adopted on the basis of a historic victory over oppression, which the people of Timor-Leste themselves have experienced.

National law and international law

The Criminal Code of Timor-Leste defines crimes against humanity and war crimes as serious violations that affect all humanity. These norms align with international legal standards that prohibit human rights violations, combining International Human Rights Law (IHRL) which protects individuals from state abuses, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which regulates armed conflict. They include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Rome Statute and the Geneva Convention which mandate humane treatment, prohibit torture, and mandate accountability for violations, with obligations on states to protect individuals and prosecute abuses. At the same time, international law recognizes the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the State to assess allegations of serious crimes when appropriate, to prevent impunity. Therefore, the opening of a preliminary investigation by the Timor-Leste prosecutor is a normal legal step to verify evidence, not a trial or diplomatic interference.

Solidarity with victims and responsible diplomacy

La’o Hamutuk reaffirms our solidarity with the people of Myanmar, especially civilian victims of serious human rights violations. This solidarity is not against the sovereignty of any State; Solidarity is an act to protect human dignity, and is a universal value recognized in international law and in relations between nations.

Fifty years ago, the military dictatorship in Jakarta violated international principles and the human rights of the Timorese people during their illegal occupation. ASEAN states remained silent, and the Indonesian military killed and tortured many of our people. We cannot sit by while such crimes against humanity happen again. The State of RDTL and all states have an obligation to use legal and diplomatic mechanisms to defend the human rights of the people of Myanmar.

Sustainable international relations depend on mutual respect for human dignity and the law. When states show their commitment to universal norms and accountability, the international community can develop cooperation based on trust, stability and responsibility.

La’o Hamutuk encourages:

1. The Public Prosecutor's Office to continue to make independent assessments in accordance with the law and evidence: The investigation process should be autonomous and professional, in accordance with applicable legal procedures and standards of proof. Preliminary assessment is a normal step to determine whether there is sufficient legal basis to proceed to the next steps and is important to protect the rights of victims and suspects impartially.
   
   
2. Political authorities must respect the separation of powers and avoid influencing judicial processes: Public statements need to be made with caution so as not to create a negative perception of a case. Respect the separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches to strengthen public confidence and protect the credibility of the rule of law.
   
   
3. The international community promotes civil protection and peaceful solutions: International cooperation should be oriented towards preventing violence, protecting the civilian population and promoting constructive dialogue.
   
   
4. The State of RDTL and the rest of the world, including ASEAN members, must defend democracy and human rights in Myanmar through diplomatic and legal processes.

Conclusion

Timor-Leste, as a nation living with the memory of struggle for justice and dignity, has a moral and legal responsibility to defend the universal principle of human rights in international relations. Our historical experience shows that sustainable peace depends on respect for the law and accountability.

Independent justice is not against diplomacy; independent justice is the foundation of credible diplomacy because it shows that a state respects rules and responsibilities. Accountability is not revenge; accountability is a mechanism to ensure that serious violations are not repeated and that human suffering is recognized and responded to in accordance with the law.

Sustainable international relations depend on mutual respect for human dignity and the law. When States demonstrate a commitment to universal norms and accountability, the international community can develop cooperation based on trust, stability and accountability.