DILI, 12 November 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste today commemorates the 34th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre and the 20th anniversary of National Youth Day, honoring the courage and determination of young Timorese who stood up peacefully for freedom and dignity in 1991.
The date, November 12, was established as National Youth Day to recognize the pivotal role of young people in the nation’s fight for independence.
On November 12, 1991, after a memorial mass for Sebastião Gomes, hundreds of young people marched from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili in a peaceful act of faith and resistance. The demonstration was brutally suppressed by occupying forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths, injuries, and disappearances.
This tragedy became a turning point in Timor-Leste’s struggle for self-determination, drawing global attention to the country’s quest for independence.
In commemorating this solemn date, the Government pays tribute to the generation of youth who sacrificed their lives for freedom and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the nation’s young people today — the heirs to that courage — to become leaders of national development.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, said that the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of the nation’s youth.
“When we remember the massacre and celebrate National Youth Day every year, we recognise the courage, resilience and enthusiasm of our young people, as well as their potential as agents of change. Every 12 November, we honour the past and renew our hope for the future, reflecting on the character and contribution of the youth of Timor-Leste,” Pereira stated.
He added that the commemoration is not only a tribute to the victims of the massacre but also a recognition of the decisive role of young people in nation-building.
“On this day, we pay tribute to those who fought with faith and courage, remembering not only the victims of the massacre, but also the decisive role of young people in national consolidation and development, as well as in defending the values of freedom, justice and unity that continue to inspire Timor-Leste,” Pereira said.
He emphasized that honoring the past also means investing in the present and future of the country’s youth. “By honouring the memory of the past, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in today’s youth, so that they can realise their potential and lead our country towards a more prosperous, united and supportive future,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
