Ermera, 18 June 2025 — The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”, emphasized that the promotion of diversity and inclusion—particularly in relation to the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and persons with disabilities must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in public policy, legislation, and societal attitudes across Timor-Leste.
Speaking during a recent human rights workshop in Gleno, organized by civil society organizations and supported by the European Union, the Ombudsman called attention to the ongoing discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ communities in rural areas. He urged authorities, institutions, and communities to guarantee respect, protection, and equal access to services for all citizens, regardless of identity or status.
“As the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, I am pleased to share ideas on two crucial topics—diversity and inclusion,” said Mr. Guterres. “Our role at PDHJ is to defend human rights for all, especially for those whose voices are often unheard.”
He observed that while the language of diversity and inclusion is increasingly used in political discourse and civil society campaigns, its true meaning is often misunderstood or ignored in practice.
“Often, when the topic of the LGBTQI+ community is raised, people react with discomfort, mockery, or even rejection,” he noted. “But members of this community are part of our society, and their rights must be respected like anyone else’s.”
Guterres welcomed the presence of participants from various sectors and encouraged open dialogue. “This is a valuable space for exchanging ideas, clarifying doubts, and speaking up about challenges. I especially encourage members of the LGBTQI+ community to use this opportunity to express any concerns or obstacles they face.”
He reaffirmed that PDHJ, within its constitutional mandate, continues to advocate for the rights of minority and vulnerable groups including women, children, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals—through collaboration with municipal authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners.
“Inclusion means the right to recognition, access to education and healthcare, access to justice, and respect—whether in the family, in the community, or in society at large,” the Ombudsman said.
He added that PDHJ often seeks to take part in local trainings or discussions related to gender and vulnerable groups to contribute insights and promote understanding. “Discrimination sometimes arises simply because people follow the views of others or act out of ignorance. That’s why public education and engagement are essential,” he stated.
Guterres also highlighted that PDHJ has received complaints and conducted observations indicating that members of the LGBTQI+ community in rural areas like Ermera frequently experience rights violations and discrimination. “Because many support services and advocacy efforts are concentrated in Dili, people in other municipalities often suffer in silence and do not know where to turn,” he explained.
The workshop was jointly organized by Plan International Timor-Leste (PITL) and co-applicant NGOs: the Association for the Blind of Timor-Leste (AHMDTL) and Arcoiris Timor-Leste (ATL), with support from the European Union (EU). The event brought together participants from local authorities, student groups, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI+ community from the municipalities of Dili, Ainaro, and Ermera.
This post is also available in: Tetun