Timor-Leste Launches its first evidence-based Social Protection Statistical Bulletin

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion of Timor-Leste (MSSI), launched Timor-Leste’s first Statistical Bulletin on Social Protection in Dili on 8 July. The launching ceremony, officiated by MSSI Minister Verónica das Dores, marked a significant step toward evidence-based policymaking for inclusive and resilient social protection systems in the country.

© ILO

© ILO

The bulletin was developed with support from the ILO’s Portugal project, funded by the Portuguese Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, in collaboration with MSSI, the National Institute of Social Security, the National Rehabilitation Center, and the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste. It consolidates critical socio-economic data to strengthen social protection frameworks across the country.

In addition to data consolidation, the bulletin offers key insights into the situation of vulnerable groups, including children, older persons and marginalized communities. It highlights mechanisms such as the Social Security Reserve Fund and conditional cash transfer programmes like Bolsa da Mãe, which supports low-income families to reduce poverty and improve social welfare.

This is not just a technical document. It is a political statement of our commitment to social protection, transparency and good governance.

Verónica das Dores, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion

Minister Verónica highlighted the importance of the bulletin in enhancing evidence-based policymaking by providing clearer and more comprehensive data on the population’s needs, enabling the government to design policies that are both inclusive and responsive. She also described the bulletin as a vital bridge that connects data with decision-making, transforming commitment into concrete action.

“This is not just a technical document. It is a political statement of our commitment to social protection, transparency and good governance,” she said. “ILO's technical support has been invaluable in our journey to strengthen the national social protection statistics system and enhance the statistical capabilities of our technicians.”

Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, congratulated Timor-Leste in her online remarks for its strengthened commitment to transparency, accountability and the extension of social protection to all citizens. “The ILO is proud to support this journey alongside the Government of Timor-Leste in advancing universal social protection and decent work for all, through stronger governance and inclusive national dialogue.”

Meanwhile, Rita Fernandes, ILO Consultant and lead author of the bulletin, stated that the publication offers a critical overview of progress and remaining gaps in Timor-Leste’s journey toward universal coverage and the achievement of SDG target 1.3 on the implementation of national social protection systems and measures. “The bulletin is evidence that reliable and timely data are essential to designing effective policies and identifying those who are still left behind.”

The ILO is proud to support this journey alongside the Government of Timor-Leste in advancing universal social protection and decent work for all, through stronger governance and inclusive national dialogue.

Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste

Prior to the launch, on 3–4 July 2025, the ILO organized a two-day technical training focused on the critical role of statistical bulletins in tracking the development of social protection systems in Timor-Leste. The seminar brought together technical staff and department heads from key ministries and social partners to strengthen national capacities in data collection, analysis and dissemination.

Facilitated by Zhiming Yu, ILO Social Protection Statistics Specialist in Geneva, and Rita Fernandes, the training underscored the importance of building a robust National Social Protection Statistics System. It also supported the production of regular, evidence-based bulletins to monitor progress, identify policy gaps and inform government decision-making on coverage, expenditure, and adequacy of benefits.

The seminar concluded with the development of a joint action plan to prepare Timor-Leste’s second Statistical Bulletin on Social Protection, reinforcing the country’s ongoing commitment to transparency, data-driven governance, and inclusive development.