DILI, 23 february 2026 (TATOLI) — The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, highlighted Timor-Leste’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through multilateral cooperation and international solidarity.
The Head of State made the comments in his remarks during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23–24 February this year.
This high-level forum was opened directly by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and attended by Heads of State and Government, ministers, and representatives from UN Member States and international organizations.
President Ramos-Horta was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas.
In his statement, the Head of State highlighted Timor-Leste’s role in promoting peace, national reconciliation, and international solidarity, underscoring that the Timorese experience demonstrates that truth, memory, and reconciliation are essential elements in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainably peaceful societies.
Timor-Leste reaffirmed its firm commitment to the promotion of human rights, transitional justice, and the strengthening of the rule of law.
The President emphasized that the national journey, marked by significant challenges, today serves as a reference for shared learning with other countries in situations of fragility.
Within the framework of the g7+ group, Timor-Leste continues to share lessons learned with states facing similar contexts, promoting solutions based on solidarity, South-South cooperation, and respect for the sovereignty of peoples.
During the meeting, Timor-Leste condemned all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, wherever they occur, calling for the protection of civilians, accountability of perpetrators, and the guarantee of safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
The President also expressed deep concern over the situation in Myanmar, where large-scale internal conflict continues to cause significant suffering to the civilian population.
He underscored the importance of efforts undertaken within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote dialogue, stability, and a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Timor-Leste reiterated its readiness to contribute, within the multilateral framework, to initiatives that promote peace, respect for human rights, and international cooperation.
The 61st Ordinary Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC61) is a key United Nations meeting on human rights, held in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together UN Member States, observers, international organizations, civil society, and human rights experts to address pressing global human rights challenges.
During HRC61, the Human Rights Council will consider a wide range of agenda items, including country-specific and thematic human rights situations, reports from special procedures and commissions of inquiry, outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review, and the development of international human rights standards. The session also provides a platform for interactive dialogues, panel discussions, and the adoption of resolutions and decisions.
As the UN’s principal intergovernmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights, the Human Rights Council plays a central role in advancing accountability, cooperation, and international dialogue.
The 61st Ordinary Session of the Human Rights Council contributes to shaping global human rights policy and strengthening commitments to the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights.
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