Dili, December 3, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste National Police Command (PNTL) is carrying out the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Violence toward Women and Girls, a global campaign held annually from 25 November to 10 December. This information was accessed by Média Democracia from the official PNTL page this Tuesday.
In his remarks, the General Commander of PNTL, Police Commissioner-General Henrique da Costa, stated that the ceremony, held on Monday (01/12) at the PNTL Headquarters, focuses on the theme: “Together Raising Awareness on Digital Literacy and Online Safety for Women and Girls in All Their Diversity.”
“I invite everyone, especially commanders and their families, to intensify our activities for the Campaign against Violence toward Women and Girls. The PNTL, particularly the Gender Equality Office, consistently participates in these initiatives, both upon invitation from partners and from local communities,” said Commissioner-General Henrique da Costa.
He added that the campaign will include awareness sessions in schools and universities to discuss domestic violence crimes and raise public awareness that domestic violence is not merely a private issue but a public crime that must be reported to the police or relevant authorities for legal processing.
Meanwhile, representing the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), the current Director-General of SEI, Armando da Costa, congratulated the PNTL for its commitment and continuous efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in various forms, in line with its institutional mission.
“Today we enter the seventh day of the campaign against violence toward women and girls. Globally, the focus this year is on Digital Gender-Based Violence, adopting the theme ‘Global and Digital Violence against Women and Girls’ or ending digital violence against women and girls. Here in Timor-Leste, we adopted a theme emphasizing digital awareness and online safety for women and girls in all their diversity,” said SEI Director-General Armando da Costa.
He further highlighted the importance of understanding what digital gender-based violence is, including its various forms, and recognizing harmful online actions that are often seen as normal but are, in fact, forms of digital GBV.
Representing the TLPDP Commander, Advisor Julie Morgan stated that, as a partner, she is pleased and proud to support this year’s campaign against domestic violence.
“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. This campaign serves as a time to encourage actions to end violence against women and girls worldwide,” said TLPDP Advisor Julie Morgan.
She added that the 16 Days campaign represents a global opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to unite and take action in creating a world free of gender-based violence.
The campaign activities were organized by the PNTL Gender Equality and Inclusion Office, with participation from the PNTL General Commander, Deputy General Commander, AES-PNTL President and Vice President, AES-PNTL Coordinators from 14 municipalities, senior PNTL officers, municipal commanders from all 14 municipalities and three units, as well as representatives from F-FDTL, SEI, NGOs, and TLPDP partners.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Media PNTL