UN supports Timor-Leste in advancing human rights and development through ASEAN
DÍLI, 21 August 2026 (TATOLI) – The United Nations is supporting Timor-Leste to connect its national priorities and experience with regional cooperation and international human rights standards as the country strengthens its role within ASEAN.
This broader support was demonstrated at the 4th ASEAN Consultation on the Human Right to Development, held in Dili on 20–21 August with assistance from the United Nations Human Rights, through its headquarters in Geneva and the Human Rights Advisory Unit in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and H.E. Milena Rangel, Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, participated in the high-level dialogue, underlining Timor-Leste’s commitment to contributing its national experience of peacebuilding, human rights and development to ASEAN.
Jointly convened by the Timor-Leste and Malaysia Representatives to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, the consultation brought together governments, regional institutions, UN experts, national human rights bodies, civil society, academia and communities.
Opening the consultation, UN Resident Coordinator Funmi Balogun emphasised that development must go beyond economic growth. It should improve people’s lives, protect their rights and ensure that the benefits of progress are shared fairly.
The two-day dialogue examined how the 2025 ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace can be translated into practical policies, adequately resourced institutions and measurable progress. Participants discussed development’s connections with peace, security and migration, as well as climate change, trafficking, migrant workers’ rights and emerging technologies.
Children and young people, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and migrant workers also contributed their perspectives, reinforcing that people must be recognised as rights-holders and active contributors to development, not merely as beneficiaries.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, the consultation showed how Timor-Leste’s ASEAN engagement can open new opportunities for learning, cooperation and collective action.
The United Nations in Timor-Leste will continue working alongside the Government to support the country’s meaningful participation in ASEAN and help translate regional commitments into inclusive and sustainable progress for all.
TATOLI
