Conference "10 years later: the contribution of social programs in the building of State welfare in Timor-Leste"
The Ministry of Social Solidarity (MoSS) held a conference with the theme "10 years later: the contribution of social programs in the building of State welfare in Timor-Leste" which took place on February 16 and 17, at the Convention Center in Dili.
The various Government members, directors, heads of department and development partners discussed four major topics: 1 - Citizenship Social Protection: a) Social Services (security of access), b) Transfers (income guarantees), c) Institutions and Special Supports (encouraging initiatives), 2 - Social Intervention in Emergency Situations 3 - Special Scheme for Veterans and 4 - Social Security.
The Minister of Social Solidarity, Maria Domingas Alves, stated that "the historical factor that Timor-Leste shows is the existance of great opportunities but an imbalance in access to wealth between urban and rural areas. This situation results in limited income to ensure that basic needs are met as well as the loss of power of participation. "
Maria Domingas Alves added that: “this conference is an opportune and historical moment to exercise political will regarding the promotion of social protection and citizen valorisation, which can be seen in the programs from the I to the IV Constitutional Government which pay homage to the fair and coherent principles of the State concerning security and social assistance”.
Bruto da Costa, an expert in social issues and former Chairman of the Economic and Social Council of Portugal, said the main objective of social policy is the welfare of all. Clarified, though, that to achieve this well-being it is necessary to take into account three important points: the basic priorities of human needs, the prevention or solution of social problems and the fulfillment of human rights.
This conference was attended by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the Minister of Social Solidarity, Maria Domingas Fernandes Alves, the Secretary of State of Veterans Affairs, Mário Nicolau dos Reis, the Secretary of State for Social Security, Victor da Costa, Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters, Jacinto Rigoberto de Deus and the Deputy Special Representative of UNMIT, Finn Rieske Nielsen. Also present were representatives of international agencies, national NGOs, the Catholic Church, the chiefs of Regional Centers of 6 districts, 65 sub-districts and directors and heads of departments.
