Dili, April 5, 2025 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, participated as a speaker at a seminar titled “Social Justice from a Constitutional Perspective: Has the State Fulfilled Its Responsibilities?” The event was organized by the Alumni Association of the Youth Parliament of Timor-Leste (APFTL) and held in the Former Prison Balide, Dili.
As a panellist, Guterres contributed to the discussion by asserting that the Timorese State has yet to fully meet its constitutional obligations in promoting and upholding social justice. “The State has not only failed to fulfil its responsibilities in line with the Constitution—it has also, in many cases, violated the very commitments it is bound to uphold,” he said.
He criticized the persistent underfunding of critical sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and justice, stating that while these areas are fundamental to national development, they continue to be neglected in the annual state budget. “From data shared with us, it appears that agriculture, health, and education combined receive only about 35% of the national budget. The rest goes largely toward expanding state structures,” he added.
Guterres also pointed to a recurring pattern of blaming past administrations for shortcomings. “It’s no longer enough to point fingers at the first government or past leadership. We must all take collective responsibility, especially those who have held positions of power over the years,” he emphasized.
He encouraged participants—many of whom were young alumni of the Youth Parliament—to critically analyze state commitments by using constitutional provisions and national development plans as benchmarks. “Article 6 of the Constitution outlines the State’s objectives. Use it as a checklist. Then move on to articles that address the rights of youth, the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities. Assess what has been promised versus what has been delivered,” he said.
Guterres cited the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030 as one example of a key document where progress has fallen short. “That plan stated that by 2015, Dili would have a fully functioning wastewater treatment system. It’s now 2025, and we’re still lacking a clear plan, let alone implementation,” he said.
He also highlighted the demographic reality that 60% of Timor-Leste’s population is aged between 15 and 35, yet youth development remains significantly underfunded. Recalling a past conversation with the Minister of Youth, Guterres said, “Although the Secretariat of State for Youth was upgraded to a full ministry, its budget remains unchanged. The title changed, but not the investment.”
“This is a clear example of how social justice is being overlooked,” he continued. “We invest heavily in veterans and the elderly, but not in our youth, who make up the majority of our population. This imbalance leads to long-term consequences.”
He stressed that youth development must encompass more than just education or university opportunities. “It should include arts, culture, music, sports, and creative industries—spaces where young people can express themselves and grow.”
Guterres also touched on the long-standing issues related to martial arts groups, noting the ongoing debate between the government and the President of the Republic regarding their suspension. “Even after 20 years, we’re still struggling to find sustainable solutions for youth-related challenges,” he said.
In closing, he urged university students and researchers to focus on practical, local research that can inform policy. “If you are close to academic institutions, ask what kind of research is being done. If it’s about education, youth, or the economy, make sure it’s being used to advocate for better policy,” he said.
He reminded participants that one of the Ombudsman’s key roles is to monitor whether national laws and public policies align with the Constitution and international commitments ratified by Timor-Leste.
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