DILI, 20 december 2022 (TATOLI) – The Secretariat of State for Youth and Sports (SSYS) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched today two joint initiatives aimed at promoting the right to participation of adolescents and youth living with disabilities. The two joint initiatives include the launch of operational guidelines on engaging and ensuring the participation of adolescents and youth with disabilities in discussions and decision-making processes, and the improvement of access to facilities at SSYS.
The access ramp and facility as well as the operational guidelines were launched by the Minister of Education Youth and Sport, Armindo Maia representing the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste at the ceremony held at the SSYS compound in the capital Dili. A number of guests were present during the launch ceremony, including H.E. dr. Odete Maria Freitas Belo, Minister of Health, Bilal Durrani, Country Representative of UNICEF in Timor-Leste, Mr. Gaspar Afonso, Advisor to President for Social and Disability Affairs, and Youth Disability representative, among others.
“We are blazing trails for adolescents and youth with disabilities in Timor-Leste through the launch of these guidelines and practical improvements for accessibility to the government entity that overseas national activities for youth,” said H. E. Dr. Armindo Maia. “We hope this sets an example of how to ensure young people are consulted in discussions and their voices heard and acted upon.”
The operational guidelines provide practical guidance to help the government and development partners ensure that adolescents and youth with disabilities can exercise their right to participation in relevant discussions and decision-making processes on matters affecting their lives. These were developed by SSYS and UNICEF, in consultation with Associação de Deficiencia de Timor-Leste (ADTL sigla Português).
The accessibility improvements at the office of the SSYS include the first ever guiding blocks installed in Timor-Leste, a ramp for wheelchair users and those with mobility disabilities, and accessible and disability- friendly toilets.
The SSYS office is often used by youth for civic engagement initiatives and for sports events, and it is important to ensure that adolescents and youth with disabilities can take part in such activities.
“To challenge the stigma and discrimination that persons with disabilities face, it is important that adolescents and youth with disabilities can participate in the many dialogues that are taking part across the country,” said Bilal Durrani, UNICEF Timor-Leste County Representative. “They have a right to share their perspective and to influence the decisions that are made on different topics that impact their lives.” These guidelines will provide that framework and guidance on how to ensure their participation in discussions and decision-making process.”
The operational guidance was developed with support from UNICEF Australia. The accessibility improvements were funded by UNICEF thematic funds – pooled funds to which many donors contributed, and whose flexibility was critical to open civic participation opportunities to adolescents and youth with disabilities through these infrastructure works.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
