Dili, December 6 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), together with organizations for people with disabilities, celebrated the International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December under the theme “Building an Inclusive Society for People with Disabilities to Advance Social Progress, Ensuring No One Is Left Behind in Timor-Leste’s Development.” The event took place at João II Hall in Comoro, Dili.
The President of the National Institute for Social Security (INSS), Arlindo Pinto, representing the Minister of MSSI, congratulated people with disabilities around the world and highlighted the importance of this day in recognizing that people with disabilities (PwDs) in Timor-Leste have the same rights as all other citizens and play an essential role in inclusive development.
“Today we celebrate an important day to recognize that people with disabilities in Timor-Leste have equal rights as all citizens. The main objective of this global celebration is to raise public awareness about the existence and rights of PwDs, ensuring they can access services just like everyone else. We must advocate against barriers that discriminate or limit their participation. Therefore, we recommend all institutions to improve and promote the participation of PwDs in family, community, and social life.” President of INSS, Arlindo Pinto
He further emphasized the need to continue promoting the talents and abilities of PwDs as a way to reduce and eliminate discrimination and stigma, while strengthening inclusive approaches and cooperation with partners to advance social inclusion based on fundamental human rights.
“On behalf of the IX Constitutional Government, I express appreciation for the collective efforts between the government and civil society, especially disability organizations, in implementing the National Action Plan for PwDs 2021–2030. The government has already compiled reports to present to the United Nations as concrete evidence of implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.” President of INSS
He reiterated that the national theme which is the implementation of the National Action Plan for PwDs (2021–2030) is the key for Timor-Leste to advance social progress and strengthen disability inclusion at all levels.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Ombudsperson for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa, expressed her appreciation for participating in the celebration and conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Ombudsman’s office to all people with disabilities for their continued cooperation in promoting rights.
“Regarding the rights of people with disabilities, the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, in Articles 16–60, reminds us to clearly uphold the rights of every individual, avoid discrimination, and ensure that no one is left behind, placing everyone in an equal position.” Deputy Ombudsperson for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa
She added that the Ombudsman’s office is grateful and proud of all people with disabilities and extended appreciation to all parties who continue working together to protect and promote disability rights in the future.
The Director of the Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL), Cesario da Silva, speaking about the celebration, stressed the importance of adequate resource allocation for implementing the National Action Plan. He urged the government to allocate sufficient resources to prepare future reports effectively.
“To allocate proper resources for implementing the National Action Plan and the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities remains a major challenge. We request the government to allocate necessary resources to accelerate the preparation of annual reports.” Director of ADTL, Cesario da Silva
He added that the government and state must continue working closely with people with disabilities to ensure inclusive development in Timor-Leste and to strengthen good practices that guarantee no one is left behind in the country’s development process.
Reporting: Nelfiano
Photos: Nelfiano