Government of Timor-Leste

On November 9^th, 2023, the Ministry of Justice, with the support of the United Nation Development Program (UNDP), inaugurated new facilities at Gleno Prison in the Municipality of Ermera.

This newly renovated prison block is in line with national and international human rights standards, with a focus on gender sensitivity and resilience against communicable diseases. 

These facilities were renovated as part of the “HOPE for Gender Equality” program, which is the result of a partnership between the Government, through the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice and the UNDP.

The project aims to strengthen sustainability and state institutional capacity to expand access to justice and improve public services for disadvantaged groups, especially rural woman, and girls. It also aims to improve the response to gender issues in the justice and security sector, especially in the fight against gender-based violence. Other goals include improving gender and social sensitivity, increasing legal skills and knowledge among legal professionals, as well as increasing the compliance of prison facilities with human rights standards and good practices, responding to the specific needs of female prisoners.  

The transformation of this prison block aimed to respond to the challenges faced by inmates at Gleno Prison, including limited sanitary facilities, overcrowded spaces, and inadequate conditions for those with children, by providing improved, more spacious facilities with specialized areas for women with children.

Financial and vocational training, legal assistance and comprehensive support for inmates’ empowerment were also provided to break down barriers and promote a more equitable and inclusive environment.