Abstract (eng)
The present diploma thesis deals with coming to terms with past atrocities in East Timor. It examines the general question what significance has coping with past atrocities for post-conflict societies on the path to a stable peace. The aim is to demonstrate using the example of East Timor that reconciliation and the establishment of peaceful relations between the conflict parties initiated by the process of dealing with the past are the foundation of a stable peace. The issue is discussed on the basis of the evaluation of relevant literature. The evaluation is performed according to the principles of qualitative content analysis. As a result, it is clear that the processing of the past has become a necessity in peace building. The two dimensions of justice and truth need to be implemented adequately according to the local context. In East Timor, after achieving independence, several institutions to deal with the past were established. However, coming to terms with past atrocities in East Timor has been successful only partially, which is particularly due to the lack of political will of the previous government. The failure to enforce the rights to truth and justice disrupts the reconciliation process and the development of peaceful relations decisively. Resumption of coming to terms with past atrocities in East Timor seems, is vital in order to achieve a stable peace.