The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, attended the 15th International Congress of Ministers of Justice, held in Rome, Italy, on December 1st and 2nd, 2025. The meeting brought together government representatives, judicial leaders, and international organisations to discuss justice policies and the abolition of the death penalty. 
The congress, organised by the Community of Sant’Egidio under the slogan “Without life there is no justice,” offered a platform to share experiences and reaffirm the international commitment to humanised justice systems aligned with the principles of human rights.
During the plenary sessions, Minister Sérgio Hornai reaffirmed that Timor-Leste does not apply the death penalty or life imprisonment, in accordance with the national Constitution and Penal Code, reiterating the country’s opposition to capital punishment. He also emphasised the existence of clemency mechanisms, such as commutation and pardon, granted by the President of the Republic, aimed at encouraging social reintegration.
Sérgio Hornai also recalled that Timor-Leste, which “recently became the 11th Member State of ASEAN”, “is committed to promoting the abolition of the death penalty at the regional level.” The Minister emphasised that Timor-Leste will continue to encourage dialogue and cooperation with other States to eliminate this practice and strengthen justice systems that safeguard the right to life and human dignity.