DILI, 25 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on Thursday, was awarded the Professor Jorge Miranda Award: Constitution and Human Rights by the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Law in the Aula Magna of the University of Lisbon’s Rectorate.
Established in honour of Professor Jorge Miranda, PhD., the award recognises individuals who have distinguished themselves in defending the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Awarding this distinction to the Prime Minister recognises his lifelong commitment to the struggle for Timor-Leste’s independence, as well as his contribution to building the Timorese state, consolidating democratic institutions, and protecting fundamental rights.
In his acceptance speech, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão dedicated the award to the “martyrs of the homeland” and to the thousands of Timorese who took part in the struggle for independence. “This honour is not for me alone, but for the collective journey of a people who fought, suffered, and persevered to win freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their own destiny,” he said.
The Prime Minister also recalled, “Were it not for the sacrifice of the nation’s martyrs and the quiet efforts of thousands of Timorese—many of them unsung heroes whose exceptional deeds remain unknown to the general public—we would not have a state or a Constitution today.”
“After decades of occupation and serious violations of fundamental rights, the people of Timor-Leste have never ceased to believe in a future of justice, peace, sovereignty, and freedom,” added the head of Government.
In his remarks, he also highlighted the legacy of Professor Jorge Miranda, PhD, describing him as “a leading figure in Portuguese-language constitutionalism” and “a longtime friend of Timor-Leste,” and acknowledging his contributions to the constitutional debate and to strengthening Timorese legal culture.
The Head of Government also emphasised that the struggle for Timor-Leste’s independence was “an exemplary milestone in the defence of human rights”. He recalled the support received from the international community, particularly from Portugal. “Throughout this time of struggle and suffering, we did not receive a single weapon, a single bullet, or any military or strategic training, but we did receive the shield—or perhaps the most fundamental weapon of all—international solidarity, and very particularly the solidarity of the Portuguese people,” he said.
Professor Jorge Miranda, PhD., the Rector of the University of Lisbon, Luís Ferreira; the Dean of the University of Lisbon’s School of Law, Professor Eduardo Vera-Cruz Pinto; the President of the Constitutional Court of Portugal, José João Abrantes; the Attorney General, Amadeu Guerra; the Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Maria de Fátima Jardim; as well as Timorese students and political and diplomatic representatives from Timor-Leste and Portugal.
TATOLI
