East-Timor President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has declined the offer to become the top top UN Human Rights Commissioner. Yesterday reports said he had accepted but then he requested another 24 hours to make his decision.
Early this morning, Jose Ramos-Horta wrote:
I thank the many countries that in the last few weeks have encouraged me to table my candidacy for the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am very touched by the trust placed on me by the many friends in the world who believed that I would be a good High Commissioner. I have reflected on this possibility, on the challenges, complexity and honour of serving the international community….
Earlier this morning, the AP announced that Jose Ramos- Horta, East Timor’s President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate has accepted the job as the top UN Human Rights Commissioner.
Participant Media’s Bonnie Abaunza has long been a friend to Ramos-Horta. Following his assassination attempt, she and her daughter shared a personal note with us. Bonnie is waiting to hear from Jose Ramos-Horta and we will let you know any updates as they come in.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was expected to explain his plans at a news conference on Thursday. But he told reporters he needs some more time to make a decision, “On the one hand yes, it’s time to move on and to accept the challenge of being U.N. high commissioner of human rights. At the same time, I love my country, I love the people who elected me.”
We are shocked and saddened to learn that Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and seriously injured in his home over the weekend.We recently interviewed President Horta for a series of case studies on conflict resolution for a campaign inspired by the feature documentary “Jimmy Carter Man from Plains.”President Horta, along with Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes, won the Noble Peace Prize in 1996 for their tireless, ongoing work brokering peace for the people of East Timor and advocating for the non-violent solution to the occupation of the country.His passion for justice, fiery spirit and ongoing dedication to peace are an inspiration.Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
This horrific event underscores the importance of promoting and supporting the essential work of individuals and organizations working toward conflict resolution in dangerous and volatile parts of the world.
Participant Media’s Bonnie Abaunza has known President Horta for many years. Following is a blog post and personal pictures from her daughter Larissa who looked up to him as a role model and hero.
My Friend and Hero, Jose Ramos-Horta
Last night, I received news that my friend and mentor, Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor, had been shot in an assassination attempt. I couldn’t believe it. I did not have any details other than he had been shot twice and had lost a great deal of blood. My mom and I were both so upset and frantic for details. How could someone from his own country, the one he had worked so hard for, want him dead!?! All he has ever wanted was for the people of East Timor to live in peace and prosper.
My experience with this inspirational leader has been amazing! Jose Ramos-Horta is like an older brother who taught me (aside from my mother) about peace, non-violence and the importance of human rights. The first time I met him (in 2001), I was a little intimidated because he is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a very important man (after all, I was only 5). He helped his people achieve independence after 30 years of occupation and Timor is now a democracy. Jose believes in conflict resolution and so do I. He touches the hearts of everyone he meets. My Mom and I love Jose and hope he recovers soon so he can get back to being a man of peace, a dedicated leader and my mentor. He is a true role model and hero to me and many, many others.
-LarissaPeltola
(Printed with permission from Bonnie Abaunza, mother)
(Photo from left to right: President Jose Ramos-Horta, Bonnie Abaunza, Larissa Peltola)
East-Timor President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has declined the offer to become the top top UN Human Rights Commissioner. Yesterday reports said he had accepted but then he requested another 24 hours to make his decision.
