Elisabeth Lino Araujo

The civil society in Timor-Leste is actively preparing for the ACSC/APF 2024 (ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum 2024) with a clear vision focused on several key aspects:

1. Promotion of Human Rights: Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Timor-Leste aim to advocate for and protect human rights across the ASEAN region. This includes addressing issues such as freedom of expression, indigenous rights, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized groups.
2. Sustainable Development: There is a strong emphasis on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental sustainability. CSOs are working towards promoting sustainable practices and policies that mitigate climate change impacts and ensure equitable access to resources.
3. Democracy and Governance: CSOs are committed to promoting democratic values, transparency, and good governance within ASEAN countries. They advocate for accountable institutions, electoral reforms, and the protection of democratic freedoms.
4. Social Inclusion and Equity: The vision includes ensuring social inclusion and equity for all communities within ASEAN. This involves advocating for policies that reduce poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and empower marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
5. Regional Cooperation and Solidarity: CSOs in Timor-Leste seek to strengthen regional cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN member states. This includes fostering partnerships, sharing best practices, and advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts within the region.
6. Preparation and Participation: The preparation for ACSC/APF 2024 involves capacity building within civil society, enhancing their skills in advocacy, networking, and policy engagement. CSOs are actively engaging with stakeholders, conducting consultations, and organizing forums to ensure their voices are heard in the ASEAN dialogue process.

Overall, Timor-Leste’s civil society is committed to leveraging the ACSC/APF 2024 as a platform to advance their vision of a more inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based ASEAN community. They are proactive in preparing to contribute meaningfully to discussions and actions that will shape the future of the region.