DILI, 02 march 2022 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), Adaljiza Magno, participated, on behalf of Timor-Leste, in the opening of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Adaljiza Magno recalled in his speech that, during the struggle for independence, the Timorese people suffered serious human rights violations, but, with the support of the international community, he would come to reflect the importance of protecting these rights.
“Timor-Leste has become an example of a country that has successfully faced the obstacles in the transition to peace and justice, while preserving unwavering respect for human rights,” Adaljiza Magno said in a statement addressed to Tatoli.
The official defended that human rights, peace, security and development are “deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing”.
She also said that, as an advocate of SDG16, “Timor-Leste is focused on contributing to the promotion of sustainable peace and the realization of the 2030 Agenda”.
Regarding the priorities of the national agenda, Adaljiza Magno highlighted national efforts towards a child protection system that guarantees respect for their rights and leads to participation in all aspects of society.
“To achieve these goals, programs to promote and facilitate access to birth registration, education and the fight against violence against children stand out, including the elaboration of the children’s code that prohibits corporal punishment”, she stressed.
In his response to climate change, the official stated that Timor-Leste is committed to integrating human rights into environmental laws and policies, as well as involving civil society in decision-making processes to create resilience in relation to the impacts of climate change.
Adaljiza Magno took the opportunity to present Timor-Leste’s candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2024 to 2026.
“If elected a member for the first time, Timor-Leste will contribute in a different way to the work of the Human Rights Council, in addition to reinforcing the Council’s vision of being a representative body of the diversity of the countries that comprise it”, she added.
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Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora/Rafy Belo
Translator: Camilio de Sousa
