Government of Timor-Leste

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Eighth Constitutional Government

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Press Release

Dili, September 29th, 2022

Note of Condolence on the death of Bishop Hilton Deakin, a friend of Timor-Leste

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has received with deep sadness the news of the passing away of Bishop Hilton Deakin, a fierce defender of human rights and the self-determination of the Timorese people.

Hilton Forrest Deakin, Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, died Wednesday, September 28^th, 2022, at the age of 89, following a long-term illness.

Born in Seymour, Victoria, Australia, on November 13^th, 1932, Bishop Deakin was ordained a priest in 1958. In 1987 he became Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne on March 3^rd, 1993. Bishop Hilton Deakin retired in 2007 at the age of 75 and was appointed Bishop Emeritus.

During the Indonesian occupation, Hilton Deakin had an important contribution in supporting the movement for self-determination in Timor-Leste and in supporting the Timorese population in Melbourne.

In recognition of his support for the Timorese Resistance and his contribution to the struggle for national self-determination, in May 2012 Bishop Hilton Deakin was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste and the Order Dom Martinho Lopes.

The spokesperson for the 8th Constitutional Government, Minister Fidelis Magalhães, on behalf of the Government and the Timorese people, conveyed condolences to the family and friends of Bishop Hilton Deakin and stated that “his voice in defence of the Timorese people and his warm friendship and continuous support in the struggle will never be forgotten”.

The Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, stressed that “his actions and his deep commitment to human rights, justice and solidarity will remain in our memory and our hearts”. END