Dili, 26 September 2025 – The Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa, participated in the National Annual Conference on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Inclusive Development in Timor-Leste, organized by CBRNTL with the support of UN Women, UNICEF, and the United Nations Human Rights Adviser Unit.
In her remarks, Marilia first expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join this important gathering and share the mandate and initiatives of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and advancing inclusive development in Timor-Leste.
She recalled that the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste guarantees equality before the law (Article 16) and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, language, social or economic status, political or ideological beliefs, religion, education, or physical and mental condition. Furthermore, Article 21 affirms that persons with disabilities have the same rights and duties as all other citizens, with the State mandated to provide special protection whenever necessary.
Timor-Leste has also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and taken measures to address some of the key challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including in access to education, health, and participation in public services. However, Deputy Ombudsman noted that despite the existence of laws and policies, barriers and discrimination persist in society and even within families.
As the National Human Rights Institution, PDHJ has a specific mandate to promote and protect human rights, with a significant role in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Under its statute (Article 8), PDHJ is empowered to receive and process complaints, conduct monitoring and investigations, and provide recommendations and advocacy to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights.
She highlighted PDHJ’s concrete actions, such as:
- Receiving and processing complaints related to violations of disability rights.
- Conducting monitoring and issuing recommendations, including to the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), to ensure access to government subsidies. Following PDHJ’s interventions in Covalima and Atauro in 2023, many persons with disabilities have now begun to receive state subsidies.
- Evaluating the implementation of the National Action Plan on Inclusion and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in coordination with key ministries, with findings to be validated and shared with the public soon.
Marilia also recognized the efforts of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) in allocating budget and coordinating assistance, and the Ministry of Public Works for advancing accessibility measures through rehabilitation of public buildings to ensure universal access.
“The government has a legal duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all citizens, including persons with disabilities,” she emphasized.
In closing, she called for greater collaboration among government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen inclusive programs across the country.
“Let us work together to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of persons with disabilities in Timor-Leste,” she concluded.
This post is also available in: Tetun