Over the last three decades, nations in transition from dictatorships and repressive regimes have formed some 30 truth commissions world wide. While most Plowshares readers are well aware of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, many may not have heard about the newest and possibly the most unique commission to address past serious violations of human rights. The Commission on Truth and Friendship (CTF) is the first commission between two nations -  the fourth largest country in the world, predominantly Muslim Indonesia, and the newest nation in the world, predominantly Christian Timor-Leste, which was part of Indonesia until a momentous vote for independence in 1999.

Based on our peace-building work around the world and past experience in both Indonesia and East Timor, we were invited to become “expert advisors” to CTF. Our role is to support the Commissioners in their challenging task of helping two independent nations to acknowledge and move beyond a tragic and troubling past.  In past meetings with the Commissioners we have found them to be persons of integrity and commitment as they seek to respond to the challenging mandates identified by their respective presidents.