Publication: Defining Heroes : Key Lessons from the Creation of Veterans Policy in Timor-Leste
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2008-09
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2014-07-18
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This study seeks to examine and reflect on the process, results and lessons of the efforts to recognize and assist veterans of the resistance in Timor-Leste. The aim is to document those aspects that may have value for other post-conflict settings where nascent institutions are attempting to wrestle with similar issues. The paper proceeds in four sections. Section two provides background and contextual information. Four themes are covered: the development of veterans' policy in post-conflict settings; the history of the Timorese resistance movement; military formation and demobilization under United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET); and, the predicament of veterans at the reestablishment of independence (2002). Section three documents the creation of veterans' policy in Timor-Leste. In rough chronological order it focuses on seven phases: the establishment of the veterans' commissions; the registration of veterans; public consultations; legislation development; recognition measures, pensions and assistance, as well as some of the key challenges ahead. Section four draws out some of the key lessons of the Timorese experience, including both more strategic and more operational lessons. Section five concludes.
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“World Bank. 2008. Defining Heroes : Key Lessons from the Creation of Veterans Policy in Timor-Leste. © http://hdl.handle.net/10986/18918 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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