The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples will visit Timor-Leste this week to examine a number of issues affecting the country’s indigenous peoples.
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz will inspect community land issues, customary justice systems, climate change and conservation measures, and education.
The Special Rapporteur will meet with Government and other State officials, civil society organisations, the United Nations and others in the country’s capital, Dili. Ms Tauli-Corpuz will also make community visits to discuss peoples’ priorities and concerns.
The visit is being held at the invitation of the Government of Timor-Leste.
“I look forward to learning about Timorese culture and how the young Timorese nation is addressing challenges such as ensuring access to justice and the exercise of land rights,” said the Special Rapporteur.
Ms Tauli-Corpuz will present her preliminary findings and recommendations to the Government on 16 April.
A final report containing findings and recommendations from the visit will be presented to the Human Rights Council in September.
