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July 14, 2021
Press Release
Vote of Condolence on Carmel Budiardjo’s Death
The Council of Ministers, in its meeting on July 14th, approved a vote of condolence for the passing away, on July 10th, of Carmel Budiardjo, human rights activist and defender of self-determination of the Timorese people.
Born in Great Britain in 1925, Carmel Budiardjo founded TAPOL, a human rights organization that fought for the release of political prisoners in Indonesia during the Suharto regime and was instrumental in obtaining information on the military activity and human rights violations taking place in Timor-Leste.
His tireless work for human rights earned her the Right Livelihood Award, in 1995, and on August 30th, 2009, she was awarded with the Order of Timor-Leste insignia in recognition of her contribution to the struggle for national liberation.
The Council of Ministers, on behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, presents its condolences to Carmel Budiardjo’s family and friends and assures that the activist “will never be forgotten in Timor-Leste and will be forever remembered with great affection, admiration and respect for her commitment with human rights, justice and solidarity”. END