Martin Ennals Award Patrons

José Ramos-Horta

José Ramos-Horta is a recognized leader of Timor-Leste with an extensive career as a politician, fine diplomat and writer. He spent many years in exile during the Indonesian occupation of his country and was the spokesman on human rights. In December 1996, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with his fellow countryman Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. Beside the Nobel Peace Prize, he received several major awards. Following the independence of Timor Leste he became Minister for Foreign Affairs and was recently named Prime Minister.