Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 21–23 July 2026 – The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) participated in the Second Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting of the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), hosted by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) at its office Kuala Lumpur from 21 to 23 July 2026. The meeting brought together representatives of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across Southeast Asia to strengthen regional cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights.
PDHJ was represented by Aureo José António Savio, Chief of Staff; Antoninho Bernardino, Communication and Public Relations Specialist; and Sonia Fernandes, Oversight Officer.
The three-day meeting served as an important platform for SEANF members to review progress on the implementation of the 2022–2026 SEANF Strategic Plan, exchange updates on national human rights developments, discuss institutional priorities, and strengthen collaboration among member institutions. The agenda also included discussions on business and human rights, torture prevention, environmental rights, the rights of older persons, and proposals to enhance SEANF’s institutional effectiveness and regional engagement.
During the first day of the meeting, each member institution presented its key developments and challenges since the first Technical Working Group Meeting held earlier this year. As one of the co-leads under Priority 1 of the SEANF Strategic Plan, PDHJ joined discussions on ensuring that human rights remain central in post-pandemic governance and regional cooperation. Participants also exchanged experiences and good practices in implementing the Forum’s strategic priorities, including business and human rights, torture prevention, and strengthening SEANF’s governance and decision-making processes.
On the second day, PDHJ delivered an update on the work of the SEANF Strategic Communications Working Group (SCWG), highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen communication, visibility, and public engagement among Southeast Asia’s National Human Rights Institutions. The meeting also discussed preparations for the 23rd SEANF Annual Conference and responses to external communications addressed to the regional forum.
A major highlight of the meeting was the SEANF Side Event: Forum on Refugees and Trafficking in Persons Crisis in the Southeast Asia Region – Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation, organised by SUHAKAM. The forum examined the growing human rights challenges relating to refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking in persons, and migrant smuggling across Southeast Asia. It provided an opportunity for National Human Rights Institutions, government agencies, United Nations agencies, international organisations, academics, and civil society organisations to exchange experiences, identify protection gaps, and explore practical avenues for regional cooperation.
Discussions during the forum focused on strengthening protection mechanisms for refugees and victims of trafficking, improving access to justice, enhancing cooperation among regional stakeholders, and reinforcing the role of National Human Rights Institutions in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations affected by cross-border movements. The forum also reaffirmed SEANF’s commitment to promoting collaborative regional responses to emerging human rights challenges.
On the final day, SEANF delegates visited Baitul Mahabbah KLIA, a specialised facility established by the Malaysian Government to accommodate children under immigration supervision separately from adult detainees. The visit enabled delegates to observe good practices in the protection of children in immigration settings and exchange views on promoting alternatives to immigration detention for children throughout the region.
PDHJ’s participation reflects its continued commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through SEANF, sharing Timor-Leste’s experiences in human rights protection, and contributing to collective efforts to address cross-border human rights issues affecting vulnerable communities across Southeast Asia.
Established in 2009, the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) is a regional network of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) dedicated to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights through cooperation, dialogue, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices. SEANF currently comprises six member institutions: the Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia (Komnas HAM), and the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC). Through regular technical meetings, joint initiatives, and annual conferences, SEANF continues to strengthen regional solidarity and advance the protection of human rights across Southeast Asia.
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