Vice Minister Céu Brites meets with her Portuguese counterpart to discuss policies for people with disabilities
DILI, 2 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Portugal have discussed policies and programmes to strengthen support and services for people with disabilities, including independent living, data systems and human resources.
Vice-Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion Céu Brites held talks with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion Clara Marques Mendes in Lisbon on 2 October 2026.
The two officials discussed support for independent living, systems for collecting and managing data on people with disabilities, and the human resources needed to provide effective support and services.
Brites highlighted the improvement of data systems and the development of human resources as key areas for strengthening policies and services for people with disabilities.
Marques Mendes presented Portugal’s experience in supporting independent living for people with disabilities.
In response, Brites shared Timor-Leste’s experience with programmes supporting self-sustaining economic activities aimed at promoting the economic independence of people with disabilities.
Following the meeting, Brites and the Timorese delegation held a technical meeting with Portuguese officials working on the rights of people with disabilities.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn about programmes implemented in Portugal to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Timor-Leste has a National Action Plan for People with Disabilities 2021–2030, approved through Government Resolution No. 7/2022 of 1 March, which provides the national framework for action on disability-related issues.
The exchange forms part of efforts to strengthen policies, services and support systems for people with disabilities through cooperation and the sharing of experiences between Timor-Leste and Portugal.
TATOLI
