Dr José Ramos-Horta, the president of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, was made an Honorary Doctor of Southern Cross University at a ceremony held last Thursday at the Lismore campus.

The award to Dr Ramos-Horta, in recognition of his significant contribution to international human rights, was conferred by the University Chancellor John Dowd. The MC for the ceremony was Janelle Saffin, federal Member for Page and University council member. The ceremony was part of Dr Ramos-Horta’s five-day state visit to Australia.

Dr Ramos-Horta told those assembled, ‘I couldn’t fail coming here on the occasion of a state visit to Australia because of Janelle Saffin, a tireless advocate for human rights in the region. Also, John Dowd is a tireless advocate of Timor-Leste.
‘Thank you all for the support we have received from Southern Cross University, but also from members of the community.

‘Australia has been a most generous neighbour of Timor-Leste. The commitment Australia has made to Timor-Leste since 1999 we cannot quantify in terms of money because it is well beyond that. We can only say with sincere appreciation and gratitude how important and critical to the stability in Timor has been Australia’s support.

‘Today Timor-Leste is at peace and political tension is almost non-existent.’
In presenting the award, Chancellor Dowd said Dr Ramos-Horta has ‘been a signal figure in bringing together the people of Timor-Leste’.
Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University, said the award was further evidence of the strong links between Southern Cross University and Timor-Leste.

‘We are undertaking a range of projects aimed at improving the social, economic and environmental conditions in this emerging and resilient nation,’ Professor Lee said.