Dili, November 16, 2023 – Timor-Leste renews its commitment to the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action, championing women’s reproductive health and rights, and the 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration, at the 7th Asian Pacific Population Conference (APPC) to be held from November 15-17 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The APPC is co-organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office (APRO).

Recognizing the profound interconnections between population, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, Timor-Leste emphasized the need of placing human rights at the core of the country's sustainable development efforts.

On behalf of Timor-Leste's delegation at the APPC conference, H.E. Mr. Juvêncio de Jesus Martins, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Thailand, reflected on the country’s key achievements despite numerous challenges since the restoration of its independence.

“Significant strides have been made towards achieving universal health coverage, enhancing the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of primary healthcare. Life expectancy at birth has increased by approximately 10 years from 2000 to 2016, reaching 68.6 years, attributed to comprehensive national policies promoting access to quality prevention, treatment, and care for communicable and non-communicable diseases. 

“Full immunization coverage for children has reached nearly 100%, while the maternal mortality ratio has declined from 745 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 195 per 100,000 live births in 2016,” said H.E. Mr. Juvêncio de Jesus Martins.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, H.E. Mr. Juvêncio de Jesus Martins noted that Timor-Leste addressed issues such as illiteracy, limited preschool education access, inadequate school infrastructure, youth unemployment, "brain drain," and concerns about human trafficking. Additionally, the nation confronts issues related to violence against women, sexual and reproductive health, high population density, urbanization, and social protection policies.

“We affirm our commitment to revise and strengthen laws against gender-based violence, supporting the safety and dignity of all women, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups. Encouraging and supporting at least 50% female candidates for village chief positions, fostering women's leadership at the grassroots level, and removing barriers towards universal access to sexual and reproductive health services for all,” added H.E. Mr. Juvêncio de Jesus Martins in his statement.

For more information, contact:

Suleiman Okoth

Communications and Programme Support Specialist

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Timor-Leste

Mobile: +67075169796, Email; okoth@unfpa.org