Vice-Minister Céu Brites meets with her Portuguese counterpart to discuss policies for people with disabilities
On October 2nd, 2026, in Lisbon, Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion Céu Brites met with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion, Clara Marques Mendes, to discuss policies and programmes for people with disabilities.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed support for independent living, data systems for people with disabilities, and the human resources required to deliver that support.
Vice-Minister Céu Brites highlighted improving data systems and developing human resources as key priorities for strengthening policies and services for people with disabilities.
Secretary of State Clara Marques Mendes presented Portugal’s experience in supporting independent living for people with disabilities. In this context, the Vice-Minister shared Timor-Leste’s experience through programmes that support self-sustaining economic activities, aimed at contributing to the economic independence of people with disabilities.
Following the meeting with the Secretary of State, the Vice-Minister and the Timorese delegation attended a technical meeting with Portuguese officials responsible for the rights of people with disabilities, during which programmes developed in Portugal to protect these rights were presented.
Timor-Leste has in place the National Action Plan for People with Disabilities 2021–2030, approved by Government Resolution No. 7/2022 of March 1st, which sets out the national framework for action in this area.
