Come to LH Media Briefing on 18 May

Download the presentation from this briefing:  15 MB Powerpoint, also PDF (2 slides/page, 3 MB)  
Download this invitation in English or Tetum.

Invitation to a briefing for journalists and others  

Rights and Sustainability in Timor-Leste’s Development

At La’o Hamutuk, Bebora, Dili.     Friday, 18 May 2012. 10:00 am (sharp) – noon, followed by lunch

The Timor-Leste Non-Governmental Organization La’o Hamutuk has monitored the development of this country since 2000. We research and analyze past and current realities, and future possibilities, in several fundamental sectors. This briefing will present an overview and respond to questions about these topics:

• Timor-Leste is the second-most petroleum-export dependent country on earth, but our oil and gas resources are limited.  This determines our State, our economy and our future.
• Timor-Leste has almost no industry and an embryonic private sector, but state spending in growing faster than every country except Zimbabwe. Our “baby boom” is entering school, and we have just taken out our first foreign loans. What does the future hold?
• Current development plans, centered on physical infrastructure, will not provide a sustainable improvement in our people’s lives. The unrealistic dreams of the Tasi Mane project rely on the petroleum industry and Greater Sunrise gas, which may never come here.
• Impunity for past crimes, especially those committed as part of the Indonesian occupation, undermines the rule of law today and tomorrow.
• Land is the basis of our culture and lives, and recent events could increase injustice and conflict.

Many of the journalists coming to Timor-Leste to cover the tenth anniversary of the restoration of independence have asked us for interviews, and we will meet individually when requested. In addition, we are offering this briefing to support people who need a quick, deep understanding of Timor-Leste’s current reality and future prospects.  Non-journalists are welcome to attend. Some of this material is on La’o Hamutuk’s website and blog, including a similar briefing last March. The May briefing will primarily be in English, but we will provide information in Tetum.  This map shows the location of our office, which is behind Dili Cathedral on the left side of the main road westward toward Bairro Pite, is at 

Thank you for your interest and participation. Please let us know if you plan to attend.