Dili, October 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Fokupers, together with its partners, held a press conference to condemn acts of sexual harassment that have occurred within academic settings, following a recent incident at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, which went viral on social media on Monday (October 6, 2025).
Spokesperson Rio de Araújo stated that the press conference aimed to express serious concern over complaints and reports of sexual harassment and abuse occurring in educational institutions. He emphasized that such incidents reveal the failure of the State of Timor-Leste to establish effective mechanisms for prevention, protection, and reporting within the education system.
“Publicly speaking, sexual harassment refers to unwanted behavior of a sexual nature that violates the dignity of women and men or is perceived as offensive. It may occur through verbal, non-verbal, or physical acts, such as inappropriate touching, suggestive remarks, displaying pornography, requesting sexual favors, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or humiliating environment that makes victims feel unsafe or uncomfortable,” said Araújo during the press conference at the Fokupers office in Farol, Dili.
He continued, stating that based on the viral video and other incidents that have become public, Fokupers and its partners are calling for immediate and firm actions, including urging the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), through the Rector and Pro-Rectorate, to suspend the alleged perpetrator, who serves as a lecturer, while the investigation process is ongoing.
“We call on UNTL’s Disciplinary Council to open a rigorous, impartial, and transparent investigation into the alleged sexual harassment incident. UNTL must impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on the offender based on the seriousness of the case and must not allow sexual predators to continue serving as lecturers,” Araújo urged.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Education to take the issue seriously by requiring all schools from primary to higher education to establish confidential, safe, and victim-centered complaint and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, he called on the ministry to uphold its responsibility as a state institution to implement the recommendations of the CEDAW Committee, issued in May 2023, regarding the creation of bfor women and girls.
Araújo further called for measures such as providing safe school transportation, investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence, including corporal punishment, and ensuring immediate protection for victims. He encouraged the public, especially students, not to remain silent but to speak out and seek help when facing sexual harassment or other forms of violence.
He reminded teachers and lecturers not to misuse their power, authority, or students’ vulnerability to satisfy their sexual desires, and urged educators to uphold maturity and professionalism as role models, in line with Guideline No. 12/2017, August 9, issued by the Civil Service Commission on preventing and combating sexual harassment in public service.
“We also urge the Ministry of Education to establish a transparent evaluation system and to ensure that all school-related activities are conducted within school premises, not outside,” he added.
Araújo further appealed to the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) to ensure the proper implementation and regular monitoring of relevant laws and guidelines, in accordance with human rights and good governance principles.
Finally, Fokupers noted that, together with JSMP and the Rede Feto network, it continues to issue statements and conduct advocacy regarding cases of sexual harassment and abuse occurring in educational institutions across Timor-Leste.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano