Asian nations reject Timor war crimes trial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE ASIAN members of the special UN Commission on Human Rights have rejected calls for a war crimes tribunal for East Timor, arguing that its establishment could further destabilise the region.
The 11 Asian members of the 53-member forum - including China, Japan and India - also challenged the validity of the special session of the human rights body, which was convened in Geneva at the request of Portugal, the former colonial power in East Timor.
Sri Lanka's delegate said the decision to hold the session "discounted the unanimous view of an entire region" and that the UN "should contribute to the stability of the situation and not exacerbate instability".
Indonesia's delegate also challenged the legality of holding the session, claiming it "lacked impartiality".
The forum was due to vote overnight on an EU resolution calling on the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, to go ahead with an inquiry to establish responsibility for atrocities in East Timor.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments