Latest
Story
12 August 2022
International Youth Day 2022: Intergenerational solidarity in Timor-Leste key to realizing potential of youth and achieving sustainable development
Learn more
Video
12 August 2022
UN Secretary-General António Guterres message on International Youth Day, 12 August 2022
Learn more
Speech
11 August 2022
Transforming Education Summit (TES) National Consultation Remarks by UN RC Roy Trivedy
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Timor-Leste
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Timor-Leste:
Story
24 June 2022
ASPIRING TO MAKE A 'BIG LEAP' IN TIMOR-LESTE'S DEVELOPMENT: THE VITAL ROLE OF GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND WHY WE NEED TO ACT NOW!
Since the restoration of independence on 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste has made considerable progress on socio-cultural, political and economic rights. However, the post-COVID-recovery in the wake of higher food and energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine has compounded existing gender inequalities making it imperative to centre stage women and girls to build back better. It is also clear that the country needs to maximise all its resources (human, financial, environmental and knowledge) and assets to achieve better outcomes for all, including children, the LGBTIQ persons, the elderly, and the disabled.
Despite a strong commitment to equality in Timor-Leste, violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains pervasive, with estimates from 38% to 59% of women experiencing violence in their lifetime. The 2019 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicates that the VAWG is a significant structural barrier to the country's development. In his inauguration speech, newly-elected HE President Jose Ramos Horta emphasised the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment as a fundamental prerequisite for inclusive national development and building a resilient democracy.
Timor-Leste has already made significant progress in addressing inequalities through legislation, policy development, institutional mechanisms, and raised public awareness. The second National Action Plan on Gender-based Violence, pending approval from the Council of Ministers, commits to ending gender-based violence through a multi-sectoral, comprehensive and coordinated approach. The NAP GBV has been developed following the national laws and international commitments of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International Convention on the Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Social and Economic Rights (ICSER) and the Convention on the Rights of the Children (CRC). Timor-Leste has adopted the Women's Economic Empowerment Strategy and National Social Protection Policy as fundamental policies that complement women's agency. However, the national development plan (the SDP) recognises that more remains to be done and establishes several critical priorities.
Furthermore, the draft Second NAP GBV is supported by findings of an assessment from the preceding NAP, whereby more significant action is needed to audit the gendered impact of legislative changes on the development and well-being of women. Recognising women in their multiple and intersectional socio-economic and political identities is also imperative. It would be good to know, for example, the representation of women's voices in the design of the Cesta Basica programme, the $200 levy on poorer households, the push to reduce malnutrition in the country and the Bolsa de Mae Generation Foun.
While we are looking at how women's participation and empowerment can be further championed in Timor-Leste, we must build on the good progress that has been achieved. Currently, Timor-Leste has one of the highest rates of women parliamentarians in the world and the highest in the Asian/Pacific region. The President of the National Parliament promulgated a new Village (Suco) Law in July 2016 to have at least one woman per Suco as Suco Chief. We must ensure now that the upcoming elections leverage the momentum the country has built on to prepare communities, especially aspiring women representatives. For effective implementation of policies, further strengthening the capacity of the national women's machinery and various ministries are vital, as also emphasised through the recently revised National Action Plan of Gender-Based Violence (NAP GBV).
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations today. It is a significant obstacle to fulfilling women's and girls' human rights and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The United Nations in Timor-Leste remains committed to working with the Government to address the long-term impact of the pandemic and addressing existing structural barriers to gender equality through multiple interventions, including EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and Equality for All initiatives, among others. Led by the Government and together with partners, we will continue responding to all forms of VAWG, with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence, harmful practices, femicide, trafficking, and all forms exploitation in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the principle of 'leaving no one behind.'
It would also be essential to acknowledge that gender inequality has deep socio-cultural roots and manifests in non-linear ways. Therefore, it will require a coordinated, comprehensive, multi-sectoral and lifecycle approach. Which essentially means a Whole of Government, womb to tomb approach.
It is time to consider setting up a National Women's Empowerment Fund with a 20-year plus timeline because the piecemeal approach has not worked so far. Additionally, we urgently need to focus on three key areas – implementation of legislation, social protection, and gender-responsive financing:
Laws are already there. Weaker implementation is a barrier. If the State is able to ensure the implementation of these laws, this will ultimately improve the protection of women and girls, leading to the upholding of women's rights.
A long-term social protection scheme will provide effective mechanisms to reduce the vulnerabilities of women and girls, leading to their empowerment and participation.
Gender-responsive budgeting is a critical part of the Public Financial Management agenda and will improve the social and economic situation of women and girls by ensuring a fair allocation of resources
With a gender-champion leadership at the helm of affairs in the country and in the context of Timor-Leste's bid for a bigger and better global repositioning and expansion of the economy, we have a historical opportunity to include women and girls in the much-needed sustainable economic diversification and leverage Timor-Leste's interest for regional integration, while leaving no woman and girl behind. If there was ever a better time to promote gender equality agendas and incorporate gender perspectives throughout the wide range of challenges we confront in Timor-Leste and the Pacific region, it is now!
-END-
1 of 5

Story
17 May 2022
UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR AND COUNTRY TEAM WISH TIMOR-LESTE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF RESTORATION OF INDEPENDENCE
On behalf of the UN Country Team, I offer the warmest wishes on this momentous occasion.
Today’s anniversary marks another landmark in the productive and exemplary partnership between Timor-Leste and the United Nations. For more than two decades, the United Nations has worked side-by-side with the people of Timor-Leste, supporting the country’s efforts to build a strong and resilient State and promote sustainable peace and prosperity.
1 of 5

Story
10 May 2022
Solidarity to End Violence
Viqueque, Timor-Leste.
The two-day ‘Do No Harm’ workshop on ethical and safe approach when responding to cases of gender-based violence (GBV) was held on March 30, 31 in Viqueque, Timor-Leste. The ‘Do No Harm’ workshop aims to promote better understanding of the nature of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) which interlinks with mental health of the survivors, and supports local communities to adopt ‘Do No Harm’ approach, namely ethical and safe method when respond to cases of VAWG. The workshop has been conducted in three municipalities, Bobonaro, Ermera and Viqueque, lectured by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), local authorities and Justice Institutions that work closely on VAWG and GBV. At the seminar, the participants including school teachers and students are encouraged to share their experiences when dealing with GBV cases and survivors, and discuss about how they can improve local community to response and prevent the VAWG.
Irene Kobesi works as the PNTL (Policia National Timor-Leste) First Sergeant in Vulnerable Person Unit (VPU), supporting survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). She said “I participated in the ‘Do No Harm’ workshop, because, as a VPU officer, my duty is to protect women and girls.” At the workshop, interconnections between VAWG and mental health of the survivors were underlined to understand the wider perspective of VAWG: survivors are harmed not only when they received violence, but also when they receive indiscreet questions about the sexual violence during the judicial process.
https://youtu.be/ilSYHxHS7Cc
During the seminar, it was emphasized that people’s better understandings of VAWG and cooperation from local authorities are necessary to eliminate VAWG at the community level. Maria Odete do Amaral, a Chief of Village in Viqueque, stated “I really wanted to join this seminar because this is essential for me as a community leader. I can share what I learned in this seminar with my community, and those who experienced violence, mostly women and girls.” While “Prevention of domestic violence can start from family. If we have knowledge in VAWG, domestic violence can be prevented in the early stage. If we solve family issue with violence, our children never learn how to solve problem without violence” addressed by Jose Delima, a Coordinator of Public Defender.
In Timor-Leste, climate change also exacerbates cases of VAWG. In the interview, Irene shared her experience in the flash floods during March 29th -April 4th 2021, resulted in disastrous landslide that produced more than 15,000 internally displaced people right after the disaster. “Last year, we experienced the catastrophic flood. Some people were traumatized, because they didn’t have place to live, and experienced violence from their partners. We provided support to those who suffered from both flood and violence. If their houses are not safe to live, we contacted local authorities to provide them an emergency shelter.”
To respond and prevent VAWG, a bottom-up approach to adopt ‘Do No Harm’ at the community level is essential, because the causes of the violence are deeply connected to the social context of Timor-Leste. “Together, we can end violence against women and girls” concluded Irene.
By Fidelia Mendonca, Ayumi Kimura
1 of 5

Story
18 April 2022
Historical insights, sustainable and inclusive development: What they might mean for us now and for the future
An essential first step is perhaps to help people clearly define what type of national development people of Timor-Leste would like to see in their country
The United Nations is here to support the government and the people of Timor-Leste. The SDGs and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offer evidenced-based and solution-based directions for an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
With the second round of the Presidential Elections imminent, it has been an interesting and exciting past week, thinking about now as well as the future of the country. Irrespective of the people’s decision for either of the candidates, the President’s ‘father-of-the-nation’ role entails a key guiding role that contributes to strengthening the economy, political systems, collaborations, and reconciliation in the wake of the COVID-19 fallout and critical development challenges facing the country.
In the past week, I had the privilege of joining an exciting and insightful online webinar featuring an interview with Professor Jeffrey Sachs on Accelerating Progress on SDGs in Malaysia . The interview –skillfully moderated by my friend and colleague UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia and Singapore, Ms Karima El Korri – was organised by the Sunway University and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), part of a global network of universities and institutions promoting sustainable development practices. Incidentally, we (the UN) are assisting the University of Timor-Leste to join this Network soon. As always, Professor Sachs covers a lot of historical ground and makes fascinating connections between social and economic progress and many global challenges that the world faces today. He starts by drawing attention to the combination of events that contributed to global economic growth in the period after 1776 (imperialism, the industrial revolution, the role of fossil fuels, self-interest, the dominance of market economies and many other factors).
Professor Sachs points out that “…one of the reasons the world is struggling to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels is that we have had 200+ years of economic growth based on a reliance on fossil fuels and market economies. The powerful forces behind fossil fuels are pervasive and shape almost every aspect of our lives. So, breaking that dependence and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shifting towards carbon-neutral growth may take years, possibly decades.” This is why governments and development institutions need to prepare long-term plans now and to ensure that these are practically progressed annually for this critical global transition. He notes that sadly even after the past decade of rising global temperatures and changing global weather patterns contributing to more frequent and devastating environmental disasters, as well as the loss of biodiversity and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have yet to see many governments, industries and international institutions develop and implement robust long-term (20-year plus) plans for zero carbon growth. As the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) has said on many occasions (see: https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/ipcc-report-climate-change/) ‘time is running out’! “…one of the reasons the world is struggling to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels is that we have had 200+ years of economic growth based on a reliance on fossil fuels and market economies. The powerful forces behind fossil fuels are pervasive and shape almost every aspect of our lives. So, breaking that dependence and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shifting towards carbon-neutral growth may take years, possibly decades.” By making a powerful case for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as the guiding principles for a better, more sustainable world for all, he advocates for “six big transformations” that he believes are essential for nations in the Asia-Pacific region (all of whom, according to data from ESCAP, are ‘off-track in terms of progress against the SDGs’ (see: https://data.unescap.org/data-analysis/sdg-progress.) The Asia-Pacific region is home to 60% of the global population, so if the world is to achieve the SDGs by 2030, it is vital that this region achieves the progress that is needed. The six transformations that Professor Sachs’ identifies are: (i) Quality Education for all; (ii) Health for all; (iii) Energy and industrial transformation; (iv) Sustainable land use (and one might add, especially for small island states and many others sustainable use of oceans); (v) sustainable cities; (vi) Digital transformation. While also emphasising the vital importance of gender equality and inclusion, Professor Sachs’ makes a personal plea for increased women’s leadership globally and in all spheres to accompany and accelerate the transformations needed to create a better world for all. This presentation made me reflect on the work that the UN is supporting in Timor-Leste and elsewhere. How can we better support political leaders, governments and key institutions in the countries we serve to develop serious, long-term, inclusive, and sustainable plans for climate action and carbon-neutral growth? And more importantly, how can we more effectively support the development and implementation of long-term plans for such transformations? An essential first step is perhaps helping people clearly define what type of national development they would like to see in their country. In my conversations with some Timorese citizens, I have heard friends and colleagues say that they would like Timor-Leste to be more like Singapore. I wonder, however, which aspects of Singapore’s development people in Timor really value. If that is a ‘model’ that Timorese citizens want to emulate, how can we start to chart a path to move from where we are now to foster a model of development that benefits and creates a better, more sustainable future for all? And critically, how can we ensure that progress is measured year-on-year to safeguard a better future for all?
With the second round of the Presidential Elections imminent, it has been an interesting and exciting past week, thinking about now as well as the future of the country. Irrespective of the people’s decision for either of the candidates, the President’s ‘father-of-the-nation’ role entails a key guiding role that contributes to strengthening the economy, political systems, collaborations, and reconciliation in the wake of the COVID-19 fallout and critical development challenges facing the country.
In the past week, I had the privilege of joining an exciting and insightful online webinar featuring an interview with Professor Jeffrey Sachs on Accelerating Progress on SDGs in Malaysia . The interview –skillfully moderated by my friend and colleague UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia and Singapore, Ms Karima El Korri – was organised by the Sunway University and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), part of a global network of universities and institutions promoting sustainable development practices. Incidentally, we (the UN) are assisting the University of Timor-Leste to join this Network soon. As always, Professor Sachs covers a lot of historical ground and makes fascinating connections between social and economic progress and many global challenges that the world faces today. He starts by drawing attention to the combination of events that contributed to global economic growth in the period after 1776 (imperialism, the industrial revolution, the role of fossil fuels, self-interest, the dominance of market economies and many other factors).
Professor Sachs points out that “…one of the reasons the world is struggling to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels is that we have had 200+ years of economic growth based on a reliance on fossil fuels and market economies. The powerful forces behind fossil fuels are pervasive and shape almost every aspect of our lives. So, breaking that dependence and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shifting towards carbon-neutral growth may take years, possibly decades.” This is why governments and development institutions need to prepare long-term plans now and to ensure that these are practically progressed annually for this critical global transition. He notes that sadly even after the past decade of rising global temperatures and changing global weather patterns contributing to more frequent and devastating environmental disasters, as well as the loss of biodiversity and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have yet to see many governments, industries and international institutions develop and implement robust long-term (20-year plus) plans for zero carbon growth. As the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) has said on many occasions (see: https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/ipcc-report-climate-change/) ‘time is running out’! “…one of the reasons the world is struggling to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels is that we have had 200+ years of economic growth based on a reliance on fossil fuels and market economies. The powerful forces behind fossil fuels are pervasive and shape almost every aspect of our lives. So, breaking that dependence and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shifting towards carbon-neutral growth may take years, possibly decades.” By making a powerful case for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as the guiding principles for a better, more sustainable world for all, he advocates for “six big transformations” that he believes are essential for nations in the Asia-Pacific region (all of whom, according to data from ESCAP, are ‘off-track in terms of progress against the SDGs’ (see: https://data.unescap.org/data-analysis/sdg-progress.) The Asia-Pacific region is home to 60% of the global population, so if the world is to achieve the SDGs by 2030, it is vital that this region achieves the progress that is needed. The six transformations that Professor Sachs’ identifies are: (i) Quality Education for all; (ii) Health for all; (iii) Energy and industrial transformation; (iv) Sustainable land use (and one might add, especially for small island states and many others sustainable use of oceans); (v) sustainable cities; (vi) Digital transformation. While also emphasising the vital importance of gender equality and inclusion, Professor Sachs’ makes a personal plea for increased women’s leadership globally and in all spheres to accompany and accelerate the transformations needed to create a better world for all. This presentation made me reflect on the work that the UN is supporting in Timor-Leste and elsewhere. How can we better support political leaders, governments and key institutions in the countries we serve to develop serious, long-term, inclusive, and sustainable plans for climate action and carbon-neutral growth? And more importantly, how can we more effectively support the development and implementation of long-term plans for such transformations? An essential first step is perhaps helping people clearly define what type of national development they would like to see in their country. In my conversations with some Timorese citizens, I have heard friends and colleagues say that they would like Timor-Leste to be more like Singapore. I wonder, however, which aspects of Singapore’s development people in Timor really value. If that is a ‘model’ that Timorese citizens want to emulate, how can we start to chart a path to move from where we are now to foster a model of development that benefits and creates a better, more sustainable future for all? And critically, how can we ensure that progress is measured year-on-year to safeguard a better future for all?
1 of 5

Story
15 March 2022
Children in Grade 1 inspired to learn by peer mentors in Timor-Leste
Around forty children between the ages of five to seven sit in small groups on a large verandah and in classrooms at the Eskola Basic Filial (EBF) Matata school in Ermera Municipality. All of them are completely engrossed in books that they occasionally point to as they emphasize a detail or show each other some of the illustrations.
The setting is a school in the Ermera Municipality, where the UNICEF supported ‘Ready to LEAP’ (Learn, Engage, Achieve, Progress) programme, introduced in 2019 with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, is helping children have a smooth transition from home to formal schooling. Similar activity is being conducted at ten other basic education schools in Ermera and Liquica municipalities.
The initiative helps children who enrolled in grade 1 or those repeating grade 1 to get additional support from the school, their parents, families and other students (peer mentors) to build up their confidence and prepare to continue learning in a school-based setting. Trained peer mentors play a key role in inspiring younger children to learn.
UNICEF Timor-Leste/2020/Dmaia
Grade 3 students involved as young mentors to Grade 1 students in EBF Matata, Ermera municipality.
In a country where only 27 per cent of children are enrolled in preschools, and where the grade 1 repetition rate is 19 per cent, initiatives such as these make a big difference in inspiring younger children to transition smoothly into school-based learning. To date, the school readiness programme has benefitted 1,314 students in grade 1 classes and enabled 439 students between 10 -11 years old from eleven basic education schools to take part in this initiative as peer mentors. So as not to interrupt learning for peer mentors, these sessions take place every Saturday.
The training for teachers and peer mentors at the school in Ermera was initially conducted in 2019 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. However, the rollout of the programme was interrupted by COVID-19 related school closures. Most of the trained peer mentors from Grade 5 and Grade 6, who usually take part in this initiative, had also already graduated or were busy preparing for their final examinations.
However, the EBF Matata basic school introduced new ideas to keep the programme running. Teachers from EBF Matata school started engaging with Grade 2 and Grade 3 students who were once beneficiaries of the programme in 2019, to train and help them become peer mentors themselves and help inspire younger children to learn.
“I feel so happy and proud when the teacher asked me to be a young facilitator. Since joining this programme, I have become much closer to grade 1 students and have become friends with them” said 10-year-old Davio Bosco Cardoso
UNICEF Timor-Leste/2022/LRangel
A peer mentor takes part in an interview through phone call to help other children continue to learn.
Nine-year-old Merelia de Francia Mali Goncalves expressed her excitement at being part of the programme “I feel so proud because I am like a teacher for them, I make them feel happy, to be diligent, and they come to the school every day. So it is a great feeling,” she says.
At the beginning of the programme, teachers accompanied the peer mentors and supported them until the mentors were capable of running the activities on their own. As the programme progressed, teachers say the peer mentors got over their initial shyness and became more confident to speak up and lead the sessions.
“This is not only benefitting the Grade 1 students. After taking a role as peer mentors, the literacy and numeracy skills of the mentors also improved, and so did their social skills, for example, understanding ways to solve problems, or how to communicate with friends and manage time,” said Lurdes Rangel Goncalves, a teacher at the EBF Matata School in Ermera.
With additional funding from UNICEF Australia, the ‘Ready to LEAP’ programme will continue in 2022 and 2023 in 30 more schools in five municipalities. These would incorporate additional inclusive and sustainable approaches, including supporting the participation of children with disabilities.
1 of 5

Story
12 August 2022
International Youth Day 2022: Intergenerational solidarity in Timor-Leste key to realizing potential of youth and achieving sustainable development
Dili, August 12, 2022 -- Almost a decade since the United Nations Integrated Mission (UNIM) in Timor-Leste completed its mandate on December 31, 2012, many youths in the Southeast Asian nation face a myriad of challenges including; substandard education or no education, unemployment and the struggle to access basic sexual and reproductive health information services.
Notably, one of the key mandate of UNIM was to assist in strengthening the national capacity for monitoring, promotion and protection of human rights and laying a foundation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – to guarantee shared peace and prosperity for both people and planet.
A UNFPA study on teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Timor-Leste found that 19 per cent of young women aged (20-24) are married before they are 18 years while 24 per cent are already with a child by the time they turn 20.
Worse still, in Timor-Leste, teenagers are twice as likely to die in childbirth as older women.
Youths participating in a healthy relationship training facilitated by UNFPA in Dili, Timor-Leste. © UNFPA Timor-Leste.
Veronica Neno Lelo, a Timorese youth and a participant in a healthy relationship trainer of trainers (ToT) training facilitated by UNFPA, noted with concern that when the youth don’t have the right support and guidance, they are exposed to unhealthy relationships, early pregnancies, pornography and drug abuse mostly through social media platforms and misinformation.
“The biggest challenge for young people today is access to negative information on the internet and exposure to phonographic content leading to early pregnancies and increased cases of child marriages. These are key issues of concern that will impact the future of our country and societies,” said Veronica Neno.
Imagine a country where young people have families and don’t have jobs or enough savings to support their livelihoods! In such circumstances, the lives of our young girls, youth and the future of our nations and societies will be negatively affected.
According to Lizerio Dias, a youth leader and former president of Youth Parliament in Timor-Leste, it is important to engage youth leaders to effectively address challenges, and to empower them to be part of their own solutions.
“Strengthening capacity of the youth is critical for sustainable development and to ensure youths forge meaningful and healthy relationships that will secure their future.
“The government and relevant authorities must engage the youth and give them opportunities to learn through collaboration and involvement,” said Lizerio Dias.
This year’s International Youth Day (IYD 2022), marked globally on August 12, themed “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a world for all ages”, is a timely reminder for all to combat ageism, and other age-related discrimination and build bridges between generations.
In his IYD 2022 statement, UN Secretary General, António Guterres emphasized the need for all to work together to achieve common goals.
“Solidarity and collaboration are more essential than ever, as our world faces a series of challenges that threaten our collective future,” said António Guterres.
In Timor-Leste, UNFPA is collaborating with the government through the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports (SSYS) to implement healthy relationship training as part of contextualized Timorese comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) targeting youths to address high number of child marriages, drug abuse and to raise awareness on the benefits of healthy relationships for healthy and productive nation.
Since 2021, about 80 youth representatives from 11 municipalities in Timor-Leste, have been trained in the ToT training to disseminate information and knowledge on healthy relationship win Timor-Leste.
The youth facilitators will act as a bridge between the younger generation and the older generation.
Participants in a healthy relationship training facilitated by UNFPA in Dili, Timor-Leste. © UNFPA Timor-Leste.
This year’s IYD 2022 celebrations in Timor-Leste will be held in Baucau municipality and will include; sporting events, blood donation exercise and healthy relationship training for youths facilitated by UNFPA -- with funding from KOICA’s Together for Equality project aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of youths and to empower them to be change agents and to stand up against sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence.
The National Director of Youth, SSYS, Jacinto Antonio Ximenes notes: “Without the right information, the youth cannot be empowered to make right decisions about their lives and future.”
UNFPA continues to provide technical support to government and development actors on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for in-school and out-of-school programs that includes training on healthy relationships to ensure access of adolescents and youth to sexual and reproductive health, and realizing their rights.
Dr. Domingas Bernardo, UNFPA Assistant Country Representative in Timor-Leste noted that it is important to work with development partners – and particularly the young people themselves – to advocate for evidence-based policies and programs for adolescents and youth.
“Involving the youth in finding solutions, will ensure promotion of their access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning; and enhance their leadership skills and participation in national development,” said Dr. Domingas Bernardo.
Rara Santoso Sudiro Dethan, a healthy relationship ToT trainer in Timor-Leste, opined that it is critical for older generation – especially parents and guardians -- to support the youth and give them opportunity to express themselves.
“Because of the patriarchal system in Timor-Leste, though youths can make their own decisions, if parents do not support and advise them, it can lead to youths forming unhealthy relationships and to improve their ability to make decision and promote healthy relationships,” observed Rara Santoso.
UNFPA advocates for the rights of young people; including their right to accurate information and services related to sexual and reproductive health and their right to play a role in decisions affecting them.
For more information, contact;
Suleiman Okoth
Communications and Programme Support Specialist
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Timor-Leste
UN House, Caicoli Street
Dili, Timor-Leste
Mobile: +670 75169796
WhatsApp: +254 780534026
Email; okoth@unfpa.org
1 of 5

Story
25 July 2022
Investing in mother and child health in favor of Timor-Leste’s bright future
HED: Investing in mother and child health in favor of Timor-Leste’s bright future
For every 100,000 live births in Timor-Leste, an estimated 195 women die due to complications of pregnancy or childbirth. The country’s Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) which looks at children who died during the first 28 days of life stands at 22 per 1000 live births and its Under Five Mortality Rate stands at 41 per 1000 live births. These estimates were drawn in 2016, and even as we believe that the nation has made tremendous progress around maternal and child health since then, we cannot let our guards down. On this National Health Day, Timor-Leste has therefore rightly chosen the theme of ‘strengthening the essential package of primary healthcare for mother and child health’ to focus on reducing these preventable deaths.
Timor-Leste became one of the eight countries in the world to achieve the maternal health related Millennium Development Goals in 2015. It was around the same time that the government’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescents Health (RMNCAH) strategy was launched with a target to reduce MMR to 300 per 100,000 live births, NMR to 15 per 1000 live births and U-5 mortality rate to 40 per 1000 live births by 2019. But before the nation could gather data on its progress, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and it further impacted the maternal and childcare services.
Traditionally, Timor-Leste has been grappling with two core challenges in maternal and child health – low institutional delivery rate and poor antenatal care follow ups. Nearly half of the childbirths are taking place in homes. Home births pose a substantial risk to the mother and the child due to lack of access to skilled care in case of complications such as post-partum hemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis among others. It has also been observed that one fourth of pregnant women do not receive the minimal four antenatal contacts during which an ultrasound can pick up health risks to the mother and the baby. The pandemic has further exacerbated these core challenges.
As the nation puts emphasis on interlinking the essential package for primary healthcare with maternal and childcare, it is important that stock of medication like Injection Oxytocin commonly used to control bleeding after childbirth, and other hypertensive drugs are available in all primary care set ups. The healthcare facilities should also follow stringent infection control protocol. Haha
The World Health Organization has provided necessary technical assistance for IEC materials for awareness but importantly in ensuring evidence guidelines, protocols, and tools for maternal, newborn and child health care are available. WHO continues to support capacity building for quality Essential and Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services. It has been supporting Timor-Leste in strengthening organized midwifery, which has played a key role in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. One of the key approaches that WHO is supporting Ministry of Health is Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response. Every maternal death is a tragedy but not learning from these deaths is a bigger tragedy. While WHO is committed to offering continuous support to the Ministry of Health, it is important for the country to learn from these tragic deaths, nail the problems or loopholes in the healthcare system that are leading to these deaths, and pull in all resources to prevent them. Timor-Leste’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance is an important step in this direction. This surveillance is conducted with the sheer motive of identifying the events that led to a maternal death without naming or shaming anyone within the healthcare system. The sole aim of this surveillance is to prevent similar scenarios to avoid maternal deaths in the future.
Over a third of all maternal and new-born deaths as well as stillbirths occur during labour and childbirth. Many of these deaths and complications can be prevented by ensuring provision of high-quality, essential care for every pregnant woman and every baby around the time of labour, childbirth and in the first 24 hours and week after birth. This provides a unique period along the continuum of care to prevent maternal and newborn deaths as well as intrapartum stillbirths. By strengthening and investing in this critical window, it is a triple return on investment.
Well planned strategies, and initiatives like these will go a long way in strengthening Timor-Leste’s mother and childcare services and will help the nation achieve the maternal health related SDGs by 2030.
ENDS.
1 of 5

Story
19 July 2022
First digitalized Population and Housing Census critical for development planning in Timor-Leste
Dili, July 18, 2022 – As the world population is projected to hit 8 billion people on November 15 this year, it also calls for better preparation to ensure the needs of youths and other marginalized communities are addressed.
The first digitalized Population and Housing Census in Timor-Leste, to be conducted from September 4, offers a great opportunity for development planning for the island nation with one of the most youthful populations in Southeast Asia.
The census will generate critical data to aid in planning and implementation of development projects, and also aid in updating statistical information on demographic, economic and social characteristics of the population.
Speaking in an event to mark the World Population Day at Peace University (Universidade da Paz) in Dili, Mr. Cesar Martins, Principal Advisor, Vice Minister of Finance noted that data shows that the Timor-Leste population is youthful with one of the highest fertility rates in the region.
“Timor-Leste’s population is currently in transitioning phase. We have a great opportunity to reap the benefits of demographic dividend -- but it can only be achieved if we have good plans and policies in place to avoid huge challenges in economic growth and development for our country,” said Mr. Cesar Martins.
UNFPA continues to provide technical and financial support to the Government of Timor-Leste to ensure that 2022 census is of high quality, credible, uphold international principles and standards, and produce data that are widely disseminated and utilized to support the development of the country.
In her opening remarks during a public lecture to mark World Population Day in Timor-Leste themed: “A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future; the youth bulge in Timor-Leste: challenges and opportunities”, Dr. Domingas Bernardo, UNFPA Assistant Country Representative in Timor-Leste, opined that the World Population Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate human progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- despite the many challenges the world is facing.
“It is an important occasion to refocus our attention on urgent population issues. While we focus on the numbers, we must also look beyond the numbers to ensure rights and choices for all.
“Poor maternal health is experienced more in marginalized communities, therefore deepening inequalities and threatening to set us back in our efforts to leave no one behind. We must pay close attention to demographic diversity within the population growth like the youth bulge in Timor-Leste,” added Dr. Domingas Bernardo.
Director General of the General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Elias dos Santos Ferreira, in his closing remarks thanked the government, UNFPA and other development partners for their financial and technical support in the census.
“The Government has set aside USD 3 million to support the census exercises in readiness for the 2022 Population and Housing Census.
“For the first time in our census, we will utilize computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI) -- incorporating the use of questionnaires administered via hand held electronic devices during face-to-face interviews," said Mr. Elias dos Santos Ferreira.
“We would like to particularly thank UNFPA for their continued technical assistance to GDS to conduct census since 2004 when the first census was held in Timor-Leste. We also appeal to all Timorese to turn-out in large numbers to be counted and co-operate with the field staff for a successful enumeration process.”
For more information, contact:
Suleiman Okoth
Communications and Programme Support Specialist
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Timor-Leste
UN House, Caicoli Street
Dili, Timor-Leste
Mobile: +670 75169796
WhatsApp: +254 780534026
Email; okoth@unfpa.org
1 of 5

Story
05 July 2022
From where I stand: "Having more women in conflict mediation is positive for everyone Involved.”
Martinho Carvalho Sarmento, recently promoted to the position of Inspector General, knows the benefits of having women involved in conflict mediation and prevention. Previously Chief of the Department for Community Conflict Prevention (DNPCC), Inspector Sarmento has been working with UN Women to promote gender equality in the workplace and the community. He is planning to use his new expanded role and his knowledge of gender equality issues to increase women’s participation and leadership in many departments of the Ministry of Interior.
Throughout our time working with UN Women, my staff and I completed training on leadership in gender equality and human rights. I was interested in these trainings because I wanted to know more about how to promote gender equality in my workplace. Before this, I never really knew much about how to make work more equal, as it was not the norm around us. I used to think that there were male and female jobs, but now I realise that this is a stereotype, and anyone can do whatever job they want to do, as long as they work hard and are dedicated.
I was also inspired by the trainings to try and encourage more female staff to take on leadership roles. I used to get women to lead civic education training in my department, and trust women to make decisions as conflict mediators.
From this change, I noticed some jealousy coming from other departments in the ministry – a lot of men asking why are women getting this attention now? Also, many Xefe Sucos (leaders of the village) have underestimated a lot of women in their roles as conflict mediators.
I tried to assure them that having more women involved in the workplace is positive for everyone involved. Women sometimes have other attributes that we as men aren’t well practiced in, such as being good listeners, especially when working with other women in the community. I also tell them my story as a leader in my department – being overwhelmed with my work – and how sharing opportunity is a healthy and responsible thing to do. Now in my new role, I want to find ways to increase women’s participation and leadership in the ministry as a whole. If the Directorate can make progress in this area, I am sure others will soon follow.”
1 of 5

Story
29 June 2022
In a municipality in Timor-Leste, a father is taking action to prevent violence
Together with his four sons, daughter and wife, they have become a fine example of how gender-equitable parenting and the development of heathy relationships leads to the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). But this shift in attitude and behaviour were not an overnight journey for Mr. Pereira, for in his community of Maliana in the municipality of Bobonaro, harsh disciplining has been and remains the norm.
"I learned that instilling gender equal values in our children at home is crucial as this will determine how they will treat women and girls throughout their lifetime.” - Bento Pereira, father
He is among the 450 parents across three municipalities (Bobonaro, Viqueque and Ermera) to have benefited from the Connect with Respect (CWR) programme implemented by Alola Foundation and Mane ho Vizaun Foun under the Spotlight Initiative since February 2021. The programme provided training to parents on positive parenting, where they learn critical skills for developing respectful family and gender-equitable relationships. These skills include: understanding social factors and harmful norms that perpetuate GBV; the mechanisms for preventing GBV; and building communication skills to improve parent-children bonds and power dynamics.
In Timor-Leste, violence against women and girls is prevalent, with 34 per cent of women experiencing physical or sexual violence between the ages of 15 and 49. GBV is not the only societal problem affecting relationships within Timor-Leste’s families. There are also widespread norms regarding child-rearing and discipline that can be harmful to children, often disproportionately affecting girls. The “Parenting Education Programme to Improve Developmental Outcomes for Disadvantaged Children and Adolescents in Timor-Leste”, has found that 83 per cent of parents believe that it is sometimes necessary to frighten or threaten their children to make them behave, and 46 per cent believe that physical punishment is the way to educate a child properly.
Bento Pereira with his daughter and wife in his house in Maliana, Bobonaro municipality. Photo: UN Women/Jaime Luis
The CWR programme rolled out in October 2021. After completing 10 sessions of positive parenting training, Mr. Pereira stated “With the activities, I learned that instilling gender equal values in our children at home is crucial as this will determine how they will treat women and girls throughout their lifetime.”
Seven months later, still a firm believer in gender equality, Mr. Pereira shared that the CWR programme has given him new insights. He insisted that this programme should continue to expand to isolated areas to reach more people who lack knowledge on the dangers of GBV.
“It is going great at home,” Mr. Pereira said. “My kids know that they are all special and we value them equally. My wife and I share the responsibilities equally to our children, like you can see here, helping to harvest rice is one tough job and primarily considered a male’s responsibility but my daughter and sons come to help when they can. It is the same at home, there is no gendered responsibility.”
“Being the only girl is normally hard as you are burdened with all the work just because you are a girl. I am happy we are brought up equally.” - Laura Pereira, Mr. Pereira's daughter
His daughter Laura Pereira, who is the youngest child and only daughter, agrees. “Being the only girl is normally hard as you are burdened with all the work just because you are a girl,” she said. “I am happy we are brought up equally.”
Traditionally, women and girls are served last in family meals. Mr. Pereira sees this as a potential to cause conflict among family members and chooses not to apply it at home.
Aside from this, Mr. Pereira shares that his messages on respectful relationships have not only inspired change in his household but are also reaching the ears of his community. “When we support the habit of using slurs and communicating disrespectfully at home, it becomes normal to our children, and they will do the same when interacting with others. In the end, what this will continue to contribute to is violence.”
“The community here is ingrained with traditional norms that often perpetuate gender-based violence. Although it takes time to undo this, it is possible to combat it when we are aware of the prevention measures. I am delighted to have participated in the training,” Mr. Pereira said.
By Sylvio Da Fonseca. Originally published by UN Women.
1 of 5

Press Release
15 July 2022
EU-UN Spotlight Initiative funded “safe space” to provide psychosocial support to GBV survivors in Timor-Leste
The “safe space”, one of the Spotlight Initiative’s intervention in Timor-Leste, is a one-stop center offering a comprehensive range of services to survivors – including a safe shelter and psychosocial support.
According to Demographic Health Survey (DHS 2016), 33 per cent of women aged between 15 - 49 years, in Timor-Leste, have experienced physical assault.
However, most GBV cases are under reported to authorities; making the “safe space” an essential center for survivors.
The Health Services of Viqueque Municipality has also designated three health personnel trained in forensic GBV cases to help manage the facility.
“We now have appropriate facilities to accommodate members of the community who experience domestic violence or any form of gender-based violence against women and girls with specialized and dignified services,” said Mr. Franscisco de Carvalho, Director of Health Services in Viqueque Municipality.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Odete Maria Freitas, Minister of Health, reiterated the need for concerted efforts to end gender-based violence – a serious public health and a human rights issue in Timor-Leste.
“We need to pay close attention to end all forms of GBV cases by strengthening the Health Sector’s capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence -- since they are normally the first point of contact for GBV cases,” said Dr. Odete Maria Freitas, Minister of Health,Timor-Leste.
Though 59 per cent of ever-partnered women aged 15 - 19 in Timor-Leste experience intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime, what is more disturbing is that the exact figures might be much higher.
Dr. Domingas Bernardo, UNFPA Timor-Leste Assistant Country Representative noted that UNFPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and relevant ministries, research institutions and academia, provide research support related to gender implications on health emergencies to strengthen the availability of evidence -- to inform advocacy and programmatic interventions that are gender-sensitive and responsive.
With recent reports confirming increased cases of violence against women and girls during pandemics and emergencies, the one-of-a-kind “safe space” in Timor-Leste, will help address gender inequality issues and meet the urgent needs of women and girls affected by violence or at risk of violence.
The Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership project between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
UNFPA collaborates with implementing partners, women’s right groups and organizations representing most marginalized communities to ensure that the response to pandemics and emergencies does not reproduce or perpetuate harmful gender norms, discriminatory practices and inequalities.
--------------------------------------------------End------------------------------------------------
For more information, contact:
Suleiman Okoth
Communications and Programme Support Specialist
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Timor-Leste
UN House, Caicoli Street
Dili, Timor-Leste
Mobile: +670 75169796
WhatsApp: +254 780534026
Email; okoth@unfpa.org
1 of 5
Press Release
05 May 2022
Statement by UN Resident Coordinator Roy Trivedy
On behalf of the United Nations Country Team in Timor-Leste, I congratulate the Government for today’s approval of a draft resolution to be submitted to Parliament for Timor-Leste to become a State party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the Optional Protocol to this Convention. Following Parliament’s approval of the ratification and its deposition to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Timor-Leste will join the current 185 States Parties to the Convention and the 100 State Parties to the Optional Protocol.
I am reminded of the words of our Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here. He said, “We need everyone, including persons with disabilities, onboard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Around the world, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations are taking action to realise the call: ‘Nothing about us, without us’”.
It was due time for the Government to take such an important decision. The Convention underlines the universality of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and the right of persons with disabilities to the equal effective enjoyment of these legal guarantees in a way that is respectful and accommodating of their differences.
The ratification will bring about lasting and transformative change in Timor-Leste’s standing on disability inclusion across its policies, programmes and operations. It will help ensure that people (men, women and children) with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as to participate and be involved in all aspects of society.
I hope that the ratification of the Convention and its Optional Protocol will provide a strong legal basis for the guarantee of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Timor-Leste through the elimination of all those barriers which exclude or restrict their full participation.
United Nations stands with the people and Government of Timor-Leste, civil society, also including the organisations of persons with disabilities, the private sector, and the media, to assist in effectively implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol to tackle the obstacles, the injustices and the discrimination that persons with disabilities experience.
Realising the rights of persons with disabilities is crucial to fulfilling the core promise of the 2030 Agenda: to leave no one behind. That is our goal.
-END-
Atu garante direitu ema ho defisiénsia sira-nian presiza atu defende valór no prinsípiu sira karta Nasoins Unidas nian.
Lori ekipa Nasoins Unidas nia naran iha Timor-Leste, ha'u hato'o parabéns ba Governu nebe aprova ona ohin proposta rezolusaun ne'ebé sei entrega ba Parlamentu Nasionál, atu Timor-Leste sai nu'udar Estadu parte ba Konvensaun kona-ba direitu ema ho defisiénsia sira-nian no mós protokolu opsional ba Konvensaun ida-ne'e. Hafoin aprovasaun husi Parlamentu Nasionál ba ratifikasaun no ninia depozisaun ba Sekretariu-Jeral Nasoins Unidas nian Timor-Leste sei hola parte iha Estadu parte atuál sira hamutuk 185 no Estadu parte 100 ba Konvensaun no protokolu opsional.
Ha'u hanoin fali ba ita-nia Sekretáriu Jerál António Guterres nia liafuan nebeé. Nia dehan "Ita presiza ema hotu-hotu inklui ema ho defisiénsia sira atu alkansa objetivu sira husi dezenvolvimentu sustentavel." Iha mundu tomak ema ho defisiénsia sira no sira-nia organizasaun sira-ne'e foti asaun atu realiza apelu ne'e “ la iha buat ida kona ba ita, se la ho ita”.
Tempu opurtunu duni ba Governu atu foti desizaun importante ne'e. Konvensaun ne'e subliña universalidade direitu umanu no liberdade fundamentál hotu-hotu no direitu ema ho defisiénsia sira-nian ba goza efetivu husi garantia legál sira-ne'e ho maneira ne'ebé respeita no akomoda sira-nia diferensa.
Ratifikasaun sei lori mudansa ba tempu naruk no transformativu iha Timor-Leste nia relasaun ho Inkluzaun defisiénsia iha ninia programa no operasaun polítika sira. Ida ne'e sei ajuda garante katak ema sira (mane sira feto no labarik sira) ho defisiénsia iha asesu ba Edukasaun, saúde no oportunidade sira empregu no mós atu partisipa no envolve iha aspetu hotu-hotu sosiedade nian.
Ha'u hein katak ratifikasaun Konvensaun no protokolu opsional ne'e nian sei fó baze legál ida-ne'ebé forte atu garante oportunidade ne'ebé hanesan ba ema ho defisiénsia sira iha Timor-Leste liuhusi halakon tiha bareira sira-ne'e hotu ne'ebé esklui ka limita sira-nia partisipasaun tomak.
Nasoins Unidas hamriik hamutuk ho povu no Governu Timor-Leste, sosiedade sivíl inklui mós organizasaun ema ho defisiénsia sira, setór privadu no média sira, atu tulun hodi implementa ho efetivu Konvensaun kona-ba direitu ema ho defisiénsia sira-nian no protokolu opsional atu hatán ba obstákulu sira ne'ebé hasoru injustisa no diskriminasaun ne'ebé ema ho defisiénsia sira hasoru.
Realiza duni direitu ema ho defisiénsia sira-nian ne'e importante atu kumpre promesa fundamentál husi ajenda 2030 ne'ebé koko atu la husik ema ida iha kotuk. Ne'e mak ita-nia planu.
1 of 5
Press Release
23 November 2021
More than 357,000 people have benefited from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in two years, concludes National Steering Committee
DILI, 23 November 2021: The Government of Timor-Leste, the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and Civil Society representatives met today to reflect on the achievements of the Spotlight Initiative. They reviewed progress and discussed future actions to address the increased risk of violence against women and girls in the wake of recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth meeting of the National Steering Committee was organised by the Secretariat of State for Equality and Inclusion and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office. The meeting brought together representatives from different Ministries, Municipalities, the EU, UN agencies, and Civil Society representatives.
The Spotlight Initiative, which started in January 2020 and which is financed by the EU, has substantially contributed to preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. Over 357,336 women and girls, or 27% of the total population of Timor-Leste, have benefitted directly from the programme over the past two years. More than 700,000 people were also reached through social media. Spotlight is aligned with the National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence (NAP GBV) and supports the implementation of the NAP GBV at national and municipal levels. The Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion is a key government partner and Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee.
"I would like to convey my sincere appreciation for all the efforts you all have carried out. While all of us have faced various challenges due to limited movement because of COVID-19, sanitary health fence and the recent floods, but we have made significant progress, as seen in the results presented earlier. I believe together with the UN and European Union, we will improve implementation performance in the coming period," stated Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus.
In Timor-Leste, the Initiative is being implemented by five UN agencies (ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women) in collaboration with civil society and Government partners through technical and financial support. The programme currently supports 22 civil society projects representing 33 partner organisations at national level and locally in three municipalities (Bobonaro, Ermera and Viqueque). In Phase 1, Spotlight will spend USD 4 million through implementing partners.
The European Union Ambassador stated, “Ending violence against woman and girls is a priority for the European Union, both in Europe and around the world. Gender-based violence is criminal. It’s a brutal form of discrimination and a violation of women's fundamental rights. There can be no excuses for it. The Spotlight Initiative is a practical manifestation of the EU’s political commitment to ending the violence. In Timor-Leste such violence is a major problem, and we are pleased to work with the Government and civil society to help eliminate it.”
Spotlight Initiative in Timor-Leste has worked with the Government and partners, including National Police (PNTL), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Ministry of Health, Trade Union Confederation, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Associação Empresarial das Mulheres de Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Women’s Business Association), and Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls. Over 800 Public Sector representatives were trained, and 33 partnerships developed with organisations working with marginalised groups, particularly people from the LGBT community and people with disabilities, to improve their access to services.
As a result of community mobilisation, advocacy, system strengthening, and improved awareness, violence against women and girls (VAWG) reporting and response have increased considerably. The Spotlight Initiative partners provided over 7,000 support actions to women and girls in municipalities of focus who reported physical/sexual violence and sought legal help. More than 1,319 cases of VAWG were reported to justice officials – almost twice the number of cases compared to the previous year in these municipalities. In addition, the Spotlight Initiative supported 435 women and girl survivors of violence and their families through knowledge, information, and capacity building. Training and information for parents is contributing to healthy and respectful relationships at home and in schools.
It has been globally recognised that violence is often exacerbated in emergencies and natural disasters due to disruption of services, destruction of infrastructure, displacement, and limited access to referral services. Despite the shutdowns and restrictions in response to COVID-19 and recent floods, action against VAWG remains one of the highest priorities for the Government, United Nations, EU and partners in Timor-Leste.
"Women and girls in Timor-Leste are under greater risk of violence as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent the floods caused by Cyclone Seroja, making them more vulnerable. We are proud of the work done by the Government, the UN Agencies, Civil Society Organisations and the media during the past two years of the Spotlight Initiative. Despite difficult times, the Initiative reached many women, girls, boys, men and minority groups with information, training, and services. The UN in Timor-Leste will continue working with communities, the Government, and partners to eliminate all kinds of violence against women and girls and ensure that all people are safe, well supported and that peoples fundamental rights are effectively protected ", noted United Nations Resident Coordinator Roy Trivedy.
Timor-Leste is one of the countries that benefits from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative with the support of the Government, civil society, and partners in the eradication of violence against women and girls. After achieving significant progress in the last 20 years since its historic independence vote, Timor-Leste has demonstrated its commitment to ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) and intimate partner violence. Despite the vision for equality, violence against women and girls remains a challenge, with estimates from 38% to 59% of women and girls experiencing violence in their lifetime.
-END-
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Spotlight Initiative, launched in September 2017, is a multi-year global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. It represents an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality and women's empowerment as a precondition and driver for achieving sustainable development goals.
In the Pacific, the situation is particularly worrying. In some countries in the region, 76 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Most affected are marginalised women and girls facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
In Timor-Leste, the Spotlight Initiative was launched on 5 March 2020. It is being implemented through five UN agencies (ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women), in support of the Government, and in close collaboration with the civil society, the World Health Organization (WHO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN Human Rights Advisor's Unit (HRAU).
The overall vision of the Spotlight Initiative in Timor-Leste is that women and girls enjoy their right to a life free of violence, within an inclusive and gender equitable Timor-Leste. The programme is aligned to the Timor-Leste "National Action Plan on Gender based Violence (NAP GBV) (2017-2021)" and National SDG Roadmap. It contributes to the elimination of domestic violence/ intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) by responding to the needs of women and girls and addressing the underlying causes of violence against women and girls, using a multi-sectoral and intersectional approach across the ecological model.
This involves strengthening and widening partnerships and solidarity across civil society, Government, media, private sector and development partners. The Initiative empowers individuals, equip institutions at national, sub-national and community levels with the policies, systems and mechanisms to prevent and respond to VAWG, and encourage the public to challenge harmful gender norms. Using innovative approaches, the Spotlight Initiative builds a social movement of diverse advocates and agents of change for gender equality and social inclusion.
The Spotlight initiative deploys targeted, large-scale investments to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific. For more information about the Spotlight Initiative, visit https://spotlightinitiative.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Marino Mouzinho, Media Adviser, Office of the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion. Email: marinosmouzinho@gmail.com
Stella D'Assis, Communication and Visibility Officer, EU Delegation to Timor-Leste. Email: stelladassis@outlook.com
Ahmed Saleem, Communications Officer, UN Resident Coordinator's Office. Email: mohammed.saleem@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
09 November 2021
Government and United Nations in Timor-Leste launch Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Round-2 to contribute to the COVID-19 response and recovery
The study identifies the continuous impact of COVID-19 on households and businesses, with a specific focus on coping strategies adopted by vulnerable families, the informal sector and micro, small and medium enterprises.
While speaking at the launch, His Excellency Joaquim Amaral, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, noted, "With the sense of duty fulfilled at this stage of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Timor-Leste assures of its commitment to continue supporting those in need including families, communities, companies and businesses. I am convinced that the SEIA-2 report will provide the Government and other partners with relevant information and evidence on the COVID-19 impacts to guide the new policy formulation."
SEIA-2 highlights how COVID-19 has magnified many of the underlying vulnerabilities within the country, including lack of basic infrastructure, reliance on imports, limited productive activities in the country, limited access to government services and limited technological capabilities. COVID-19 has negatively impacted many poorer households throughout the country. It has also affected formal and informal MSMEs in urban and remote areas that have exacerbated the impact of the pandemic. Many employees of MSMEs have lost employment during this period. Women employees, in particular, have been badly affected.
UN Resident Coordinator Mr Roy Trivedy said, "The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, but it also offers opportunities for us to build back and recover better. While we are at an important juncture of COVID19 recovery, it is worth reviewing the latest evidence presented by SEIA-2 and reconsidering the medium and long-term policies aligned with Timor-Leste's commitment toward the SDGs and leaving no one behind."
The global economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on low-income and emerging economies. Timor-Leste experienced the largest GDP contraction since its independence. In March 2021, the Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL) introduced lockdowns and other restriction measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions along with the global economic slowdown and oil price uncertainty, plunged the local economy into severe contraction, with expected real GDP per capita to slip down to the 2009 level. Timor-Leste's non-oil businesses, represented mainly through micro and small enterprises, continue to be squeezed by the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis with looming long-lasting adverse outcomes for many of the most vulnerable groups of people.
"While the COVID-19 crisis has exposed stark inequities, SEIA-2 offers the Government of Timor-Leste to reconsider and prioritise resilience to climate, health, and economic shocks in the framework of the economic recovery plan. The worst effects of COVID-19 can be minimised if the country's leadership continues committing to a new social contract and implements forward-looking and comprehensive programmes to tackle critical tipping points to lift the population from multi-dimensional poverty traps", said UNDP Resident Representative Munhktuya Altangerel.
The assessment is guided by the UN Secretary General's Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19 (https://unsdg.un.org/resources/un-framework-immediate-socio-economic-response-covid-19 ), which set out the framework for the UN's urgent socio-economic support to countries and societies in the face of COVID-19, putting in practice the UN Secretary-General's Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity report on the same subject (https://unsdg.un.org/resources/shared-responsibility-global-solidarity-responding-socio-economic-impacts-covid-19).
It is one of three critical components of the UN's efforts to save lives, protect people, and rebuild better, alongside the health response. The assessment has focused on a series of in-depth evaluations guided by the Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19, analysing actual and potential losses for Timor-Leste's economy and vulnerable groups due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
-END-
BACKGROUND NOTE FOR EDITOR
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating impacts on health, social, economic and environmental systems. Against this backdrop, decision-makers require flexible, rapid and evidence-based diagnostic tools to inform crucial interventions and policy decisions. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed the Digital Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) to provide governments with comprehensive and timely information for evidence-based decision-making in responding to the needs of affected populations and enterprises in the immediate, medium and long term.
The UN's Framework for the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to the COVID 19 Crisis warns that "The COVID-19 pandemic is far more than a health crisis: it is affecting societies and economies at their core. While the impact of the pandemic will vary from country to country, it will most likely increase poverty and inequalities at a global scale, making the achievement of SDGs even more urgent.
Assessing the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on societies, economies, and vulnerable groups is fundamental to inform and tailor the responses of governments and partners to recover from the crisis and ensure that no one is left behind in this effort.
Globally, Governments sought to contain the spread of the disease by the oldest known method: quarantine and confinement. As a result of confinement methods, economic activity experienced the sharpest and most violent contraction on record. In Timor-Leste, the data point to a historical value of 8.7% in the contraction of our economy. In other words, a public health crisis has quickly turned into an economic and social crisis with the disruption of supply chains at local and global levels.
The Government of Timor-Leste used unprecedented resources to strengthen the nation's responsiveness in the face of the pandemic adopting and implementing the Economic Recovery Plan with short term measures to be implemented in 2020 and 2021. Massive support was released to strengthen the health system, help companies and preserve employment. New measures were used to protect the income of those who found themselves deprived of work or business activities.
Among those short-term measures, we highlight the emergency food basket, Cesta Basica, conceived as a universal measure to provide each Timorese citizen with a basket of food and hygiene products worth up to fifty ($50) dollars. With this programme, the Government intended, among others, to stimulate national production, increase the income of local farmers and traders and support the food and nutritional diet of ordinary Timorese families.
Today, when the programme is completed, more than one million, four hundred fifty-two thousand distributed baskets and almost eighty-three million dollars were injected to the economy. The dynamics introduced along to suppliers of goods and services and local producer is visible. The forecast for 2021 of 1.6% in economic growth reflects this impact that the Cesta Basica and other short term economic measures made to commerce, agriculture, the labour market and other sectors.
The Government's economic interventions helped create the opportunity for companies to continue their activities, despite the serious threats of closure or reduction in business volume, which hovered over them. The employment of many workers is secured and protected with the continuation of business activities. Many short term jobs were created through participation in the different stages of implementation of the Cesta Basica.
The COVID-19 pandemic is far more than a health crisis: it is affecting societies and economies at their core. The impact of the pandemic has varied from region to region. The pandemic has been exacerbated by the pre-existing conditions of poverty and inequalities in Timor-Leste, a small island developing state (SIDS), making the achievement of SDGs even more urgent. The recent Easter Flood deepened the crisis by affecting the most vulnerable population.
Therefore, it was important for Timor-Leste, as the first key step, to gather essential data documenting the nation's economic, and social indicators to accurately and efficiently support the Government in policy-making and response measures. UNDP and UNFPA in close collaboration with other UN agencies, the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs (MCAE), and General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) under the Ministry of Finance, assessed the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result of the collaboration was the second Socio-Economic Impact Assessment-2 (SEIA-2) Report, launched today by the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations.
SEIA-2 was a nationwide survey of 4,292 households and 1,086 micro, small and medium enterprises which aimed to understand how COVID-19, the easter flood, government sanitary fences, and government economic recovery measures had impacted Timorese household and micro, small and medium business across the country.
In a country with 46% of the population already suffering from multi-dimensional poverty and 75% primarily reliant on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods, determining who counted among Timor-Leste's most vulnerable required a nuanced approach. SEIA-2 developed detailed social and economic matrices that allowed for data to be disaggregated across categories, including gender, age, location, disability status, and employment type. To isolate the impacts of the pandemic from the easter flood that Timor-Leste faced in the past 12 months, SEIA-2 covered changes felt between April 2020 and April 2021.
In addition to data on economic impacts, SEIA-2 also established key indicators on how health, education, community resilience, and social cohesion had been affected throughout the first year of the pandemic. Promising findings in the survey included over 70% of Timorese saying community trust increased during the State of Emergency. The results of the study show that youth most hit by job loss and unemployment - the young adult's age group 25-39 were most affected --- 43.3% of them lost their jobs in 2020-2021.
Although the Government fiscal response was strong, the most vulnerable household received the least benefits. Poorest households had used more severe livelihood coping strategies, such as borrowing money, selling livestock, and reducing education & health costs, and in most severe cases reducing the meal intake.
Gender disaggregation showed that women spent more time on domestic chores, particularly adult women. Women spent more time cooking and cleaning, water collection and family care.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
Antero Veiga, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (MCAE). Email: anteroveiga@gmail.com
Ahmed Saleem, Communications Officer, UN Resident Coordinator's Office. Email: mohammed.saleem@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
24 October 2021
Government of Timor-Leste, UN System, and partners jointly celebrate UN Day 2021
BACKGROUND NOTE FOR EDITOR
The United Nations played a vital role in Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence and democratic transition by helping organise the Popular Consultation in 1999. Since 2012, the UN in Timor-Leste has shifted its mandate from peacekeeping to strengthening stability and prosperity through sustainable development. The UN is an impartial, strategic partner supporting the Government of Timor-Leste as a Member State to fulfil international commitments and meet national aspirations to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Almost 20 years since the restoration of independence, Timor-Leste has emerged as a democratic and peaceful country focused on state-building and accelerating progress on sustainable development for all, regardless of gender, age, ability or other characteristics.
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories.
The UN System in Timor-Leste is led by the UN Resident Coordinator Roy Trivedy, who is the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General to Timor-Leste and is responsible for the coordination of development activities in the country.
All UN agencies come together with the Government of Timor-Leste and other development partners under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator to support the achievement of Timor-Leste’s national development priorities.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
Joanico Sarmento, Chief of Social Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Email: cdcs01mnectimorleste@gmail.com
Ahmed Saleem, Communications Officer, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. Email: mohammed.saleem@un.org
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
31 January 2022
Resources
02 December 2021
Resources
22 September 2021
1 / 11