DILI, 18 june 2024 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, will complete his assignment in Timor-Leste in July 2024. Durrani proceeds to Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where he has been appointed as the UNICEF Country Representative.
Durrani’s departure follows a successful tenure in Timor-Leste, during which he oversaw the development and implementation of the UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation in the country. Durrani was also instrumental in supporting the government’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the April 2021 floods in Timor-Leste.
Prior to his departure, Durrani commended the Government of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for its strong commitment to upholding the rights of children. He further underscored that UNICEF enjoys strong and long-lasting relations with the Government premised on a common vision to have a Timor-Leste where no child dies at birth, and where every child is healthy, well-nourished, learning and safe.
“With profound gratitude and great humility, I say thank you to the Government, to the children, their families, and to all partners and friends who supported me and UNICEF to advance the cause of children,” said Durrani. “It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to be able to serve the children of Timor-Leste under the calm shade of H.E. President Horta’s huge wings, who has taught me powerful life lessons – lessons of hope, humility, humbleness, of always listening and learning.”
Durrani played a key role in leading UNICEF’s support for the enactment of critical legislature to address the challenges that children face. These include the Law for Protection of Children and Youth in Danger, the Decree-Law for Regulating the Marketing and Promotion of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS Code), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol. He also passionately continued to advocate for the long pending Juvenile Justice Law, Children Code, and the Adoption Law.
As a result of UNICEF’s advocacy, led directly by Durrani, child rights are at the forefront of the President’s vision, and the Government’s development agenda, with the IX Constitutional Government announcing Early Childhood Development (ECD) as one of the three top state priorities.
“The progress I have witnessed for the children of Timor-Leste over the last three years has been inspiring. It is this progress which convinces me that even more can be done by the government, development partners, UN Agencies, and the civil society to increase investments which will protect children from the recurring challenges caused by poverty, harm, abuse, ill-health, and deprivation,” said Durrani.
The Noble-Laureate President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta, conferred the prestigious Ordem de Timor-Leste (Decoration of the Order of Timor-Leste) on Durrani in acknowledgment and recognition of his outstanding contributions to Timor-Leste. This highest national award is bestowed upon those who demonstrate exceptional services and achievements for the development of the country.
Durrani’s successor has been identified and will continue the organization’s support to the Government of Timor-Leste in achieving its development goals and promoting the rights and well-being of every child.
UNICEF Timor-Leste team expresses profound gratitude to Durrani for his service to both the organization and the children of Timor-Leste and wish him all success for his future endeavors.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
