In Memoriam: Tom Hyland
January 13, 2025
.jpg "Lindsey Greising (left) with Tom Hyland (right)")
Lindsey Greising (left) with Tom Hyland (right)
The human rights community lost an inspiring advocate on Christmas Eve, and I lost a friend.
Tom Hyland taught the world how individuals can—and must—make a difference regardless of who and where they are. A bus driver in Ireland, at roughly 40 years old, Tom became moved by the struggle of Timorese people for independence and outraged by the brutality of the human rights abuses inflicted on them. Tom had no connection to the Timorese people, but decades later, he passed away in a Timorese hospital bed, surrounded by Timorese supporters, with a legacy befitting a Nobel Prize winner. Indeed, a Nobel Laureate, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, shared that Tom “understood that solidarity knows no borders, and he worked tirelessly to forge connections between our struggles, reminding us all that we are stronger together.”
Tom’s advocacy involved forming the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign (ETISC) after he saw a film about the Indonesian massacre of hundreds of peaceful mourners in Dili. During breaks from work, Tom would advocate for Timor, which raised significant awareness about a human rights crisis that was not getting the attention or action it deserved. Thanks to efforts like those of Tom, brave journalists, Timorese activists, the diplomatic efforts of Jose Ramos-Horta, and so much more, the Timorese people finally got international support and bravely voted for independence in 1999. At the time I first visited, in 2005, it was the world’s youngest democracy—now it celebrates more than 20 years of freedom.
After Timor-Leste’s independence, Tom moved there. He taught English, worked in the government, served as honorary Irish consul, and steadfastly worked to ensure young Timorese people had opportunities. He was even awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Limerick for his efforts. Mostly, though, he helped every person—and cat—who needed help, shirking his own health and wealth for the benefit of others.
I met Tom while I was working in Timor-Leste. At that first meeting, Tom did not speak at all about his contributions or accomplishments, despite having much to brag about. Our meeting evolved into a weekly tea or lunch, a common ritual Tom shared with many people who loved him. During our meetings, we would talk about nonsense and deep questions, as well as sit and observe developments in the new nation. Routinely, we were interrupted by individuals stopping to “fo obrigado” (give thanks) to Maun (brother) Tom. The Timorese people, young and old, knew what Tom had done for their country and deeply respected him. Tom giggled and engaged with these individuals—his Irish accent jokingly pronouncing Tetun words while his eyes twinkled. He truly connected with people—regardless of any difference in race, religion, or station.
In a world full of very proud individuals, Tom chose to be humble and kind. His identification of shared humanity drove Tom to advocate for Timorese independence, move to Timor, dedicate his life to the people there, and return despite health issues. I know he would value how volunteers with The Advocates are joining the human rights movement to change the world for good, just as a bus driver was destined to transform the lives of people thousands of miles away.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tom, but I am grateful that I had the honor to know him. The world has lost an inspiring human and advocate who would take great comfort in knowing that there are so many who, like him, stand ready to make a difference. Obrigada no deskansa iha dame, Maun Tom.
