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Human Rights Day Speech, 10 December 2003
Honourable President of the Republic
Honourable Head of the National Parliament
Distinguished Special Representative of the Secretary General
of the UN
Dear Colleagues Members of Government
Dear Special Vice-Representative of the Secretary General of the
UN and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development
Program
Dear Commanders of the F-FDTL and the PNTL
Dear Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps
Ladies and Gentlemen
Once again we celebrate the Human Rights Day, proclaimed fifty
years ago.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United
Nations on 10 December 1948, which has become the universal standard
for the protection and the promotion of human rights in the entire
world.
During the 25 years of foreign occupation in Timor-Leste the
disrespect for the human rights was a constant factor in the lives
of the Timorese. Therefore, the respect and the promotion of human
rights have always been a concern for the Timorese. Indeed they
were the reasons for our recent struggle for freedom.
The people of Timor-Leste understand the basic Human Rights ideas
when they ask for more security, freedom, equality and justice,
as well as for economic development for each of them and for their
families.
As an independent country, Timor-Leste is committed to respect,
protect and promote human rights. In the preamble and in articles
16 to 73 of our Constitution, there is an explicit and unmistakable
support to the fundamental rights, obligations, freedoms and guarantees
and to other analogous rights.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has
reiterated and shown its commitment in creating and maintaining
a safe environment where there is respect for human rights, considering
and including these as core aspects in the development policy.
For example, the National Development Plan drafted between September
2001 and May 2002 through a participative process in which the
Road Map for the development of the country in the next twenty
years assumes particular importance, is based on fundamental human
rights principles.
In the area of education the State recognizes and ensures the
citizen the right to education by creating a universal basic education
public system. The State promotes literacy, the acquisition of
knowledge and the capacity building of the citizens so that they
may participate actively in the economic, social and political
development;
It also promotes social equality and national unity, factors
that are vital to the stability of the country and of each and
every citizen.
It promotes the equality of the genders, the access to opportunities,
services, goods and privileges, non-discrimination in work and
other opportunities.
It defends and stimulates equal treatment to the various groups
of the populations in different areas;
There have been efforts aiming to inculcate honesty, impartiality,
professionalism, integrity, commitment, dedication to work, efficiency,
transparency and accountability in the public services;
The promotion, respect and preservation of the values and cultures
of the various groups that form the Timorese society have been
priorities;
The democracy, sovereignty, respect for human rights and the
principles of legality, equality under the law, etc., are all
inscribed in the Constitution.
As you may be remembered, we have come together on 10 December
last year to celebrate the signing by Timor-Leste of the treaties
and conventions to which the country abided.
Today, we have reasons to celebrate this day here in Timor-Leste.
It is fair to say that there have been significant advances in
the human rights sector during the present year. The rights upheld
by the Universal Declaration, including civil, political, economic,
social and cultural rights, are respected in Timor-Leste.
The right to equality, the right to life, to freedom and security,
to personal integrity, the prohibition of torture, of discrimination
and degrading treatment, the right to justice, to privacy, the
freedom of religion, of thought, of association, the social security.
The right to work and to education are among the rights upheld
in the fundamental law of Timor-Leste.
The Council of Ministers has approved the bill on the Purveyor
of Justice, currently at the National Parliament. The Government
is concerned in what regards the promotion of good governance.
The training of the Falintil - Defence Force of Timor-Leste,
of the National Police of Timor-Leste and of the prison guards
is guided by the principles of human rights. The same happens
with the development and implementation of programmes on women
and children rights. It is in the interest of the Government that
there is a closer relationship between the institutions of the
Government and NGOs, as well as with other organisations.
However, there are some areas that require urgent attention.
An example of this is the adaptation of the internal law to the
treaties and conventions that Timor-Leste has signed, together
with the strengthening of the judiciary and prison system.
The Government is aware and understands that by improving the
public opinion and by making the public come to terms with their
rights and obligations, it will contribute to the strengthening
and the protection against human rights abuses and violations.
This is the reason behind the creation and the development of
mechanisms so as to ensure the rule of human rights in Timor-Leste,
as well as to fight human rights violations wherever they take
place.
The Government and the representatives of human rights groups
are drafting a National Action Plan on Human Rights in order to
enforce through positive actions the instruments ratified in 2002
and 2003. This Plan will create proper structures for promoting
and guiding human rights in Timor-Leste with efficiency, as well
as for identifying priorities, creating programs and verifying
mechanisms in a consistent manner and in harmony with the political,
cultural, legal, social and economic goals.
Next year the Government wants to stimulate the social, economic
and cultural diversities according to the United Nations Conventions
on economic, social and cultural rights. However, this will require
the contribution from all parties.
Respect for human rights depends of each one of us, as individuals,
organisations and institutions. For it to become true, it is necessary
for each and every one of us to play an active part in the process.
Let us all celebrate this date by exerting and enjoying the rights
inherent to us, without forgetting our obligations.
Thank you!
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