Dili, July 18, 2025 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgilio da Silva Guterres, served as a keynote speaker at the National Reflection Workshop on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, held in commemoration of Timor-Leste’s National Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. The event was organized by the Community-Based Rehabilitation Network – Timor-Leste (CBRN-TL) and took place at João Paulo Hall in Comoro, Dili.
In his remarks, the Ombudsman presented key findings from a recent assessment conducted by PDHJ on the implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities (NAP-EhD 2021–2030). He noted that while some preliminary findings had already been shared with development partners during a previous two-day validation workshop at the Cathedral Hall, the full results would soon be made publicly available.
Guterres expressed his sincere appreciation to CBRN-TL for creating a space to reflect on the country’s achievements and gaps in disability inclusion. He stressed that inclusion must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in concrete policies and actions. “Leaving no one behind,” he said, “must be visible in our decisions and actions.”
He further emphasized that inclusive development requires the meaningful political participation of all citizens, especially persons with disabilities, in both planning and implementation processes. Without such inclusion, the principle of equality remains unfulfilled.
The workshop was held under the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities by Accelerating Timor-Leste’s Commitment to the National Action Plan and UNCRPD for a Sustainable Future.” It aimed to review national progress and renew collective commitment to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Participants discussed ways to strengthen the capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to effectively monitor and report on the implementation of both the UNCRPD and the NAP-EhD. Discussions focused on improving the use of disaggregated data, ensuring inclusive planning, and reinforcing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The workshop also served as a space to share good practices and foster dialogue between OPDs, CSOs, and government institutions in order to overcome challenges and develop joint advocacy and implementation strategies.
The event also marked the celebration of National Disability Day, with an emphasis on raising awareness about the rights, roles, and contributions of persons with disabilities in society. It served as a strong call for inclusive policies and budget allocations that align with Timor-Leste’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Supported by UN Women in Timor-Leste, the event brought together representatives from OPDs, CSOs, government ministries, development partners, suku authorities, and participants from Ermera and Bobonaro municipalities. All reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and building a more inclusive Timor-Leste.
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