Vice Prime Minister Attends Launch of Study on Material and Ritual Arts
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano ASSANAMI Sabino, attended the presentation of the report of the study on martial and ritual arts, prepared by the NGO Belun and partners, on April 16th, 2024, at the National Election Commission Hall in Dili. 
In his speech, the Vice Prime Minister thanked the NGO Belun and other partners for producing this study and report, recognising the importance of this data to support the adoption of government measures related to the issue, always with a focus on the well-being of Timor-Leste's youth. 
“Talking about martial and ritual arts is talking about young people, so this study, this report, is an important working tool so that the Government can base its political decisions on the available data. Through the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (CRAM), the Government is endeavouring to carry out a full survey of the groups and register them so that, together with all the available data, it can define martial arts as a sport. That's the goal”, said the Vice Prime Minister.
Currently, martial arts and ritual activities are suspended by the Government to register its members and evaluate their performance. Once CRAM has finalised the report, it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
Young people involved in these groups should demonstrate discipline, promote peace and stability, respect others' freedom of movement, and not consider hurting or taking the lives of others.
“During the struggle for national liberation, many young people involved in martial arts organisations and clandestine rituals contributed to the liberation of our homeland, so today's young people need to take responsibility for their era or generation and contribute to the liberation of the people, becoming the heroes of today and of the future for Timor-Leste”, he stated. 
“Everyone must prepare themselves in three dimensions: physically, spiritually and mentally, to become an energetic, respectful and resilient person. Thus, in all these dimensions, young people will mould their character to become useful people for society”, the Vice Prime Minister concluded.
Rogério Araújo Mendonça, Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, representatives of the NGO Belun and its partners, representatives of martial arts and Ritual Groups, Civil Society Organisations, and others attended the launch ceremony.
