Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, visited Timor-Leste from 8 to 16 April 2019.

Timorese indigenous culture and languages are particularly diverse and have been retained throughout colonization and occupation. The vast majority of the population shares indigenous values and spiritual beliefs which are reflected in strong local institutions, the customary justice system and communal land management. Indigenous practices have translated into important gains in environmental protection and biodiversity that can serve as inspiring examples for other countries. Further harmonization between the formal and customary justice systems is important to strengthen access to justice for all. Timor-Leste has made strong commitments to human rights standards and national rights-based development policies; however, additional resource allocations are required to ensure their effective implementation and monitoring, notably in the areas of education, health and nutrition.

The present report contains recommendations relating to, inter alia, the formal and customary justice systems, land tenure, consultation and consent, conservation and climate change adaptation measures, education and nutrition.