The East Timor Independence Movement refers to the struggle of the people of East Timor to gain independence from Indonesia. After a brief period of Portuguese colonial rule, East Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975, leading to a long and violent occupation. The movement gained international attention as activists and organizations campaigned for the rights of the Timorese people. In 1999, following years of resistance and advocacy, a United Nations-sponsored referendum allowed the people of East Timor to vote for independence. The overwhelming support for independence led to the establishment of Timor-Leste as a sovereign nation in 2002, marking the successful culmination of the independence movement.