Dili, 16-17 June 2025 — The Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), through its Legal, Administrative and Research Assistance Unit (UAJAP), successfully conducted a two-day validation workshop to present and strengthen the draft impact assessment report on the five-year implementation (2021–2025) of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities (PAN-EhD 2021–2030).
The workshop was opened by the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”, and formally closed by the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marília da Costa, marking the institution’s strong leadership and commitment throughout the process.
The first day of the workshop brought together representatives from the eleven implementing ministries responsible for the plan’s execution. In his opening, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Guterres expressed deep appreciation for the ministries’ efforts and the crucial support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Tripartite Partnership Project. He reminded participants that “monitoring and evaluation are not about condemning or blaming. They are tools that help us reflect, learn, and adjust our path so that our National Action Plan does not remain words on paper, but brings about meaningful change in the lives of people with disabilities.”
The second day engaged civil society groups, organizations of persons with disabilities, and individuals with disabilities. The Ombudsman emphasized that the workshop was a moment to renew the nation’s promise that “Timor-Leste will not leave anyone behind,” highlighting that “policies and laws can only come to life through the courage and determination of those who work every day to break down barriers and create a more just and inclusive society.” The principle of “Nothing about us, without us” was underscored as central to ensuring that the action plan responds to the real needs of persons with disabilities.
In her closing remarks, the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, expressed gratitude to all participants, facilitators, the consultant, and the organizing team. She stressed that the workshop had demonstrated the importance of promoting rights, inclusion, and dignity for all, especially for persons with disabilities. She highlighted that the findings of this assessment would guide PDHJ’s advocacy to improve services and inform public policy so that government action can truly respond to the real needs of persons with disabilities across Timor-Leste. She noted, “I hope that the experience of this workshop provides inspiration and motivation for us all to continue making positive change.”
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to participants in recognition of their valuable contributions to the validation process.
This activity forms part of PDHJ’s 2024 Annual Action Plan and is supported by UNDP under the Tripartite Partnership Project, aimed at strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of the first five years of PAN-EhD implementation. Through this initiative, PDHJ reaffirms its commitment to building a Timor-Leste where inclusion is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for all.
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