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PDHJ and SEANF Host International Seminar on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights at Border Areas

PRESS RELEASE

Dili, Timor-Leste — November 20, 2024 — The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian National Human Rights Forum (SEANF), hosted the International Seminar on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) at Border Areas on November 20, 2024. The seminar, held in Dili, Timor-Leste, brought together experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to address critical human rights challenges affecting border communities across Southeast Asia.

Opening the event, President José Ramos-Horta underscored the importance of the seminar in light of escalating global refugee crises, emphasizing the need for the international community to strengthen its commitment to protecting displaced populations and addressing the root causes of forced migration. His remarks highlighted the relevance of economic, social, and cultural rights in border areas, which are often compromised during humanitarian crises.

The seminar was organized as part of the SEANF Annual Meeting and served as a platform for sharing best practices, case studies, and experiences among member countries and other stakeholders. In his speech, the Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres, Chairperson of SEANF 2024, highlighted that Southeast Asia’s borders are not merely geographical boundaries but vibrant spaces rich in cultural exchange, history, and shared challenges. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the social and economic dynamics of border communities, urging participants to explore innovative strategies to enhance economic opportunities, promote social inclusion, and preserve cultural heritage.

The event was structured in two main sessions:

Session 1:

The first session provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation regarding economic, social, and cultural rights at the border. Esteemed speakers included:

  • Mr. Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan” – Provedor for Human Rights and Justice
  • Prof. Anterio Benedito da Silva – Academic
  • Mr. Marcos dos Reis da Costa – Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Mr. José Luis Oliveira – Civil Society Representative

The session was moderated by Ms. Benícia Eriána Magno, who guided the discussions on key challenges and opportunities in promoting and protecting ESCR in border regions.

Session 2:

The second session focused on sharing experiences from each country and providing input on the situation of economic, social, and cultural rights at the borders of various National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). Esteemed speakers included:

  • Dr. Atnike Nova Sigiro – Chairperson of Komnas HAM
  • Dato Ser Mohd Hismamudin Bin Md Yunus – Chairperson of SUHAKAM
  • Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than – Commissioner of MNHRC
  • Miss Kristel Joy P. Biscayda-Armendez – Attorney of CHRP
  • Miss Sayamol Kaiyoorawaongs – Commissioner of NHRCT
  • Miss Siti Altaf Deviyati Binti Ismail – Secretary General of SUHAKAM

This session was moderated by Miss Siti Altaf Deviyati Binti Ismail, who led an engaging discussion on the shared challenges and opportunities in protecting and promoting ESCR in border areas.

The seminar provided a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas, with a focus on fostering collaboration across the Southeast Asian region. Participants discussed the interconnected challenges faced by border communities, including illegal cross-border transactions, land disputes, and statelessness, which all have a profound impact on the economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals. They also examined the critical role of border areas in facilitating cultural exchange and economic cooperation, despite the challenges posed by these regions.

The event’s discussions underscored the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to services like healthcare, and enhancing market opportunities to improve the livelihoods of people living in border regions. The seminar also identified key opportunities for enhancing regional cooperation to better protect the rights of marginalized border populations.

Through this seminar, PDHJ and SEANF aim to raise awareness about the importance of economic, social, and cultural rights, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and provide actionable recommendations for national governments and human rights institutions in Southeast Asia.

The event marks a significant step toward achieving a more just and equitable framework for people living in vulnerable border areas, and PDHJ remains committed to advancing human rights across Timor-Leste and the region.

-END-


SEANF (Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum) is a regional platform that unites National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from Southeast Asia to promote and protect human rights across the region. The six key institutions involved in SEANF include: Komnas HAM (National Commission on Human Rights) of Indonesia, SUHAKAM (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia), CHRP (Commission on Human Rights) of the Philippines, NHRCT (National Human Rights Commission of Thailand), MNHRC(Myanmar National Human Rights Commission), and PDHJ (Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice) of Timor-Leste. SEANF works to foster cooperation among these institutions, addressing human rights challenges and enhancing enforcement. The PDHJ plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting human rights and good governance to restore justice.


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