Memory records history the Records of the Commi

Authors: Elizabeth Nannelli

Publish Date: 2009/10/17

Volume: 9, Issue: 1-2, Pages: 29-

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Abstract

This paper examines the implications of the context of creation on the current and potential future uses of the records produced by the Comissao de Acolhimento Verdade e Reconciliacao de TimorLeste Commission for Reception Truth and Reconciliation or CAVR Given that the CAVR relied heavily on the testimony of the East Timorese people in its investigations that addressed a 25year period this paper considers the nature of memory and the role it played in creating and shaping the CAVR records It also addresses the potential influences of the CAVR records particularly the final report Chega in shaping what will be known about this period by the Timorese people The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential role of the CAVR records in contributing to the history of TimorLeste Although truth commissions are a problematic form of truth telling with significant implications for the writing of history the records of the CAVR are an invaluable source of information for Timorese history If future users can recognize the CAVR records as the products of the context of their creation these records will have a critical role to play in the development of history within TimorLeste

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