Despite the large number of people who disappeared during the 24-year Indonsesian occupation, Timor-Leste has not ratified the Missing Persons Convention unlike other nations like Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Indonesia itself.

"We are continuing this battle and we have sent a letter to the President of the Republic stating the ways in which the government can ratify this convention," said Manuel Monteiro Fernandes, Human Rights Education Manager for the HAK Association, (04/12), in Farol, Dili.

HAK has asked Timor-Leste and Indonesia to put to trial those who committed crimes against humanity for the period between 1975 and 1999 at an international court.

"It may take long however we have not lost hope one day these criminals will be trialed by an international court. The Truth and Friendship Commission has recommended these two countries take these criminals to an international court," said Mr Fernandes.

That is why the Timor-Leste government must ratify the Missing Peoples Convention.

"I believe the State of Timor-Leste is obliged to continue looking for people who went missing during war and the Indonesian occupation. Most important is the need for legislation so we can complete our Constitution," MP Aniceto Guterres Lopes.

Relatives of victims who disappeared in 1985 have also asked the government to find the whereabouts of victims as to date no one seems to know where they went.

"My own brother was taken in 1985 by the Indonesian military, and we don't know where he is, whether he is dead or alive, so we ask the Indonesian and Timorese Governments to search for and try those responsible in court," said Albina Marcal from Lospalos.

Journalists who tried to contact President Taur Matan Ruak were told he would not comment on this issue to the media.

"We apologize, our President must leave for a meeting elsewhere so we again apologize for not being able to meet your demands," said Jose Luis Guterres, Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanying the President to the International Conference on The Fight Against Trafficking of Women, Pantai Kelapa, Dili.