European Union and the Government of Timor-Leste supported the Jardim do Memorial do Massacre de Santa Cruz

Funded by the European Union and co-finance by the Timor-Leste government, the project presented the latest redeveloped public space in the capital, which features green spaces, pedestrian areas, lighting, public toilets, a memorial and an interpretation centre where people can pay tribute and remember the Santa Cruz Massacre, which took place on 12 November 1991 and marked a turning point in the struggle for the liberation of Timor-Leste.

This event also marked the conclusion of the project titled "Partnership for Strengthening Urban Governance, Social Inclusion, and Entrepreneurship Promotion in Dili, Timor-Leste" for 42 months started from 1 May 2022 to 30 November 2025. The project was under the implementation of various partners such as: Municipal Authority of Díli (AMD), Union of Portuguese Capital Cities (UCCLA), and Lisbon City Council (CML), under the oversight of the Ministry of State Administration.

Attendees included Dr. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, other government officials, members of the National Parliament, Mr. Christoph Sorg, Chargé D’Affairs of the European Union Delegation in Dili, Dr. Duarte Bué Alves, the Portuguese Ambassador in Dili, Paula Leal da Silva, Deputy Secretary-General of UCCLA, representatives from the Municipal Authority of the Capital City, as well as other distinguished guests and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps.

Highlighting the importance of memorial garden, the EU Charge d’Affairs Christoph Sorg emphasized the vital role youth played during the struggling time for independence. He stated, “It is truly an honour to join you today for the inauguration of the Santa Cruz memorial garden. We know that Santa Cruz Cemetery is an important place of memory, dignity, and reflection for the people of Timor-Leste.  This place holds profound historical and emotional significance, it is not only a resting place, but also a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and the long journey of the Timorese people towards peace, democracy, and national identity.”

MSA

MSA