As independent organizations which have been actively carrying out programs of research, information dissemination, education, consensus-building, and advocacy with regard to the decolonization process in East Timor, we have established the International Federation for East Timor (hereafter, IFET) to coordinate these activities on the international level, on the one hand, and to more effectively utilize United Nations services and structure for the furthering of the decolonization process in East Timor, on the other.

Affirming the critical role of the United Nations in the decolonization process in East Timor, the IFET dedicates itself to effectively work as an international Non-Governmental Organization to mobilize support for the realization of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, particularly as they apply to the decolonization process in East Timor.

Respecting differences in religious and philosophical viewpoints, organizational styles, and circumstances pertaining in the respective member organizations’ countries, the IFET envisions itself primarily as a facilitating and coordinating body. The guiding spirit of the Federation is belief in the universality of the principle of self-determination of peoples and conviction that this principle can be realized In East Timor through mobilization of worldwide support for a vigorous UN role.

The International Federation for East Timor is a federation of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with an interest in the decolonization process of East Timor as well as various aspects of life of the people in and from the territory as they are effected by that process of decolonization.

The IFET upholds the principles recognized by the United Nations Charter, particularly in regard to decolonization and asserts that the decolonization of East Timor must be fully in line with those internationally recognized principles.

The IFET also wishes to assure that human rights are properly maintained in the decolonization process of East Timor according to international standards as described in the Universal Declaration of Human Flights and subsequent instruments.

The objectives of the IFET are:

In order to achieve the above objectives, the IFET organizes and facilitates activities:

1. to propagate the ideals and established principles of decolonization in the framework of the United Nations and to disseminate information on the particular case of the decolonization of East Timor,
2. to collect and disseminate data on the human rights situation in the territory, and if necessary to organize campaigns to protect people from particular instances of human rights abuse, established as such according to internationally recognized standards,
3. to provide support for various activities needed to improve the conditions of the East Timorese in preparation for the exercise of their right to self-determination,
4. to facilitate consultation and dialogue among member NGOs as well as other interested NGOs to coordinate activities on an international level,
5. to communicate common concerns of participant NGOs to relevant authorities, organizations and individuals.

The IFET is open to all NGOs who have an interest in the decolonization process of East Timor, human rights and other aspects of life of the people in and from the territory. The IFET is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, and its decision making is primarily based on dialogue and persuasion.

To become a member NGO in the IFET, NGOs:

1. should approve the statutes of the IFET,
2. should become actively and responsibly involved in discussions and activities of the IFET.

Member NGOs have the right:

1. to participate in the decision-making of the IFET,
2. to submit proposals to be discussed by the IFET,
3. to be informed of activities done in the name of the IFET,
4. to suggest new NGOs to be granted membership of the IFET.

1. Member NGOs have the right to terminate membership in the IFET.
2. Membership of a member NGO may be terminated by a joint decision at the Consultative Assembly of the IFET.

1. The IFET appoints one President who represents the IFET as a whole.
2. The President's term of office is two years.

The IFET Is not a centralized organization but a federation of NGOs whose spirit is by nature that of voluntarism and mutual assistance. The IFET Secretariat, therefore, serves as a coordinator among member NGOs to both stimulate independent initiative and coordinate these on an international level.

1. The IFET appoints at least one Secretary.
2. The Secretary's term of office is two years.

The tasks of the IFET Secretariat are:

1. to promote, to collect and disseminate information on various aspects of the present conditions in East Timor and its decolonization process inside and outside the territory as well as on activities of member NGOs in regard to East Timor,
2. to foster communication among member NGOs,
3. to prepare an annual report and financial accounts for submission to the annual Consultative Assembly of the IFET.

The Consultative Assembly (CA) is the highest deliberative body in which all member NGOs are invited to take part. The CA also functions as a forum for discussion and analysis of the present situation with respect to East Timor.

1. The Preparatory Committee (PC) for a CA is formed by an NGO or a group of NGOs from the country where the CA is to be held.
2. The PC makes necessary arrangements for the holding of the CA.
3. The PC asks all member NGOs to make proposals for the agenda and other programs to be included in the CA deliberations; it may itself introduce items and programs into the provisional agenda.
4. The PC prepares a provisional agenda based on the proposals submitted by member NGOs.
5. The PC may invite representatives of organizations and individuals from outside the IFET as guests and observers.
6. The PC prepares a report on the CA to be sent to all member NGOs.
7. Any decision made by the PC can be recalled by the CA.

1. The CA consists of member NGOs.
2. Guests and observers can participate in the discussion but not in the decision-making.
3. One participating NGO has one vote.

1. Participants must make efforts to reach a consensus through discussion when resolutions are to be adopted.
2. When no consensus is reached, the chairperson may decide to introduce voting.
3. A resolution is adopted with majority vote.
4. Any change in a part or in the whole of a statute must be approved by a vote of three-fourth.

1. Member NGOs provide financial support to realize programs of the IFET according to their respective means.
2. The Secretariat administers the finances of the IFET and reports to the CA on its financial condition.