Dili, July 4, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL) celebrated the National Day for Persons with Disabilities (EhD) because the government has decreed July 4 as an important day for Persons with Disabilities in Timor-Leste.
According to the Executive Director of the Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL), Cesario da Silva, as we all know, in 2023 the government decreed July 4 as the Day for Persons with Disabilities (EhD) and this is the 3rd time it has been celebrated.
“As we all know, in 2023 the government decreed July 4 as the National Day for Persons with Disabilities. This is a change, especially a policy change to ensure that persons with disabilities are recognized. We also consider this a success, because many countries don’t have a national day for persons with disabilities and we have shown this.” said the Executive Director of the Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL), Cesario da Silva, at the National Day for EhD at the Dili Municipal Authority, (03/07/26)
In addition, the ADTL Director thanked the Government of Timor-Leste and the disability associations for their advocacy, which ultimately made July 4 an important day for Persons with Disabilities (EhD).
“We thank the government, our state, all of us here because through our advocacy, this day has finally been dedicated as an important day for persons with disabilities.” he said.
Meanwhile, at this moment he also continued to call on entities to unify actions for the rights of Persons with Disabilities (EhD).
The Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL) also often talks about changes in relation to Timor-Leste’s development. The constitution and legal basis guarantee the rights of citizens with disabilities very well, but persons with disabilities continue to ask for the implementation of these rights and for resources to be allocated to ensure their implementation.
The Representative of the National Director for Municipal Coordination, Planning, Training and Legal Affairs, Eduardo Casimero de Deus said, he participated in this celebration to reaffirm the commitment to the rights of Persons with Disabilities (EhD) and to an inclusive society with the right to vote and the right to be elected.
“I would like to express my gratitude for this special opportunity, which gives us the chance to participate in this moment, which gives space for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities and to an inclusive society. The right to vote and the right to be elected are constitutional rights.” he affirmed.
Persons with Disabilities have the same opportunity as citizens without disabilities to participate in the electoral process independently, with dignity and free from discrimination.
Timor-Leste has made important progress in laws and public policies, showing a commitment to promote equality and to not discriminate against people because of their condition. Thus, ratification and upholding the truth reaffirms the state’s responsibility to guarantee accessibility and full participation for persons with disabilities in public life, including elections.
He said, STAE and its partners continue to strive to ensure that persons with Disabilities can participate in the electoral process with dignity, independently and safely.
“STAE and its partners continue to make efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate in the electoral process with dignity, independently and safely. This includes accessibility to polling centers, electoral information in formats that are easy to access, training for electoral officials and awareness-raising for communities to respect everyone’s rights.” he concluded.
Reporting: Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Tomás dos Santos