Dili, October 24, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Through a press release held by Frente Buiberre Oan (FBO), the group considers that acts of sexual harassment have begun to surge in Timor-Leste, committed by lecturers who are supposed to uphold the State. The referenced conference was held at Jardim 5 de Maio.
In his introduction, Ivon Baisarek as a member of Frente Buibere Oan FBO said that the incidents spread in the media regarding lecturers who have committed sexual harassment against students in schools such as the University of Dili (UNDIL) and also in the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL) prompted FBO together with victims to hold the press conference to condemn the behavior of sexual predators and to express solidarity with victims who have suffered heavy pressure from the sexual perpetrators who attempted to attack the victims.
“Currently sexual harassment is indeed rampant in Timor-Leste. We see sexual harassment committed by lecturers against UNDIL students. FBO together with the victims stand against such acts of sexual harassment practiced by lecturers against students. These acts of sexual harassment are mostly committed by lecturers, making women live without freedom in public spaces. Therefore we stand firmly to oppose acts practiced by sexual predators such as lecturers against their students. FBO stands with the victims, supporting and pursuing the actions committed by lecturers against students,” said Ivon Baisarek.
Spokesperson Deonizia da Silva said in the press conference that Frente Buibere Oan FBO issues criticism against all universities, particularly the National University of Dili UNDIL, over the decisions of structures that protect perpetrators or sexual predators of sexual harassment.
“FBO expresses open criticism of UNDIL: the decision of the university structure that protects the perpetrator of sexual harassment is unacceptable and criminal, because the perpetrator has been repeatedly called to attention including receiving suspension by competent parts such as the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and UNDIL’s structure, but the predator continues to practice his misbehavior and sexist acts against female students. This is exactly what the university can no longer tolerate, and it must give sanctions as before, these types of individuals must be dismissed from their position as lecturer at the University,” said Spokesperson Deonizia da Silva.
The Spokesperson continued that the dismissal made by the university is an important decision in order to protect the future of women, and it contributes to Timor-Leste’s commitment to building a society that is equal, inclusive and equitable. When the university does not publicly address this act, everyone must bear responsibility, duty and moral obligation to unite voices to create a safe space for victims, women and children, and all Timorese society to be free from all forms of violence.
“We call on the competent authorities to pay attention to these acts so that women can be free from such risks. Because FBO together with all victims, mothers, fathers, heroines and all Timorese women with strong and firm voice demand UNDIL structures to take adequate measures that support the victims, calling on competent authorities to dismiss anyone who continues to practice sexual abuse, including the sexual predator with initials LMS. We call on the National Parliament and the Government to re-evaluate laws against sexual violence, sexual abuse and domestic violence, which still do not sufficiently protect victims, especially women and children,” said the Spokesperson.
The Spokesperson affirmed the call to the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion not to remain silent in the face of problems encountered by women including sexual harassment, because the Government allocates an annual state budget for gender sensitivity to guarantee safety for all people, especially women, in public spaces. A call was also made to public functions to take adequate measures against public officials who use their power to violate and abuse women.
A call was also made to ANAA to deliberate on the accreditation of the university and to pay attention to university structures with seriousness to guarantee a university that is safe and of quality, including a call to the court to take a just and impartial decision so that everyone feels justice in this Democratic Rule of Law State without intimidating questions toward victims.
Furthermore FBO explains its call to all entities such as youth movements, academia, religious leaders and the general population not to remain silent toward the practice of sexual harassment that continues to surge in society, which no longer deserves tolerance, and to continue opening exposure against sexual terrorists who continue abusing women’s bodies according to their desires.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas