Brian Hioeby Brian Hioe
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Photo Credit: Levilito R. das Neves Baptista
The following interview is part of a series of interviews conducted at International Civil Society Week in Bangkok earlier this month.
Brian Hioe (BH): Could you maybe first introduce yourself for those who don’t know you?
Levilito (L): My name is Levilito R. das Neves Baptista. I’m from Timor-Leste. I graduated in law from a private university, Universidade da Paz. Together with 12 of my friends, we founded a youth-led organization called Assosiasaun Juventude Hakbi’it Justisa Timor-Leste(AJHJ-TL), the Association of Youth for Justice, which works to empower justice in the country.
We have been working together for at least five years. Currently, I am the Project Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) under a project called Generation of Change, implemented in partnership with Plan International Timor-Leste and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). I work closely with two colleagues, and we also collaborate with other organizations. This is the first time we are working together with Plan International.
Photo credit: Levilito R. das Neves Baptista
I am also an activist and human rights defender. I’ve been involved in youth organizations since 2016. I previously served as a representative in the Youth Parliament of Timor-Leste from 2016–2018, where I represented my village and contributed to discussions and resolutions directed to the national parliament.
In 2020, I studied human rights at an international NGO, Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) Timor-Leste. That is a brief introduction about myself.
BH: Could you talk a bit about your current activism then? How did you get involved? Why did you start a group with your friends?
L: Before forming this group, we came from different universities in Timor, but we were all law students. When we officially registered as a legal organization in 2020, we were still students, but now most of us have graduated.
We observed a significant gap between society and the legal system in Timor-Leste, especially among young people. We grew up in a post-conflict, newly independent country—Timor-Leste regained its independence only in 2002—so the justice system is still developing.
We speak four languages daily: Portuguese and Tetum as official languages, plus Indonesian and English. Tetum itself is a mix between indigenous language and Portuguese. However, because much of the legal system uses Portuguese, many young people are unable to fully access or understand formal justice. The language barrier is a major challenge.
We founded this organization to advocate for better access to justice. As law students, we understood Portuguese and the legal framework, but many of our peers did not. Timor-Leste is a very open and free country—you don’t have to be afraid to speak out about justice. So we started this organization to raise awareness and support our community. Today, we have more than 60 members.
Photo credit: Levilito R. das Neves Baptista
BH: You work specifically on the reproductive health aspect. Could you also talk a bit about that?
L: Yes. This year we began implementing the Generation of Change project with Plan International. We conduct community consultations because Timor-Leste is a patriarchal and religious country, although the older generation is still open to discussion.
One key issue we advocate for is the family planning policy, which currently provides contraceptive services only to married people. We see this as discriminatory, especially given the rising number of STIs among young people every year. The older generation and the church have strong influence on public policy.
Through consultations, we raise awareness at the community level to increase sensitivity toward SRHR issues. We also visit schools—including Catholic schools—where some teachers express fear about openly addressing sexual education.
We hold intergenerational dialogues, bringing together different age groups to discuss contraception as a way to prevent STIs. Additionally, we organize multisectoral dialogues involving the Youth Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Social Inclusion, and the Ministry of Education.
We continue to monitor the policy situation and advocate for change. We are also helping another youth organization to complete its legal registration and establish a solid legal framework.
BH: What are some of the challenges you face in your activism? You mentioned that Timor-Leste is democratic and free, but there are generational and religious challenges too.
L: One major challenge is the generational difference. I often describe it as three generations: our grandparents grew up Portuguese, our parents grew up Indonesian, and we are the Timorese generation. Each generation has very different attitudes and beliefs.
Many still hold strong traditional and religious views. Changing mindsets takes time. Even though Timor-Leste is accepting and open to discussions, mental transformation is a long process. However, some people are already very aware and supportive of these issues.
We socialize a lot with communities. For example, the LGBTQI community faced significant challenges in the past because of patriarchy and religion. But through continuous advocacy, they have succeeded in shifting public perceptions. Today, Timor-Leste is the first country in Southeast Asia where Pride can be held at the Presidential Palace.
We also engage religious leaders—including Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims—because some believe that providing SRHR services to young people will encourage “free sex.” Yet STI cases continue to rise among young people. Without accessible services, the problem will only worsen.
BH: Timor-Leste is very different from other countries in the region. How do you understand that?
L: Timor-Leste is unique in the region. Our civic space is considered narrow—Civic Space Tools developed by Oxfam and Plan International rate it 6-8 out of 10. People are not afraid to speak freely, demonstrate, or express opinions. The government also listens to young people.
For example, a few months ago, we demonstrated against a parliamentary plan to buy new luxury cars. Students and youth also protested against lifetime pensions for parliamentarians. Within three days, parliamentarians responded. The police acted as mediators and facilitated dialogue between students, university representatives, and members of parliament. Eventually, parliament canceled both the car purchase plan and the lifetime pension scheme. Even the president no longer receives special privileges after leaving office. This represents a major shift for Timor-Leste.
Photo credit: Levilito R. das Neves Baptista
BH: What do you hope others in the region can know about Timor-Leste or about your work specifically?
L: I hope people in the region understand that everyone has the right to protest and speak out against injustice. We all share the same goal: a better future and greater prosperity for our countries.
Timor-Leste is joining ASEAN, and although we are a small nation with economic challenges, we have a strong sense of freedom. Here, you can speak, express your views, and advocate for human rights without fear.
During the International Civil Society Week, I met many people from countries where civic space is restricted. We share solidarity with places facing conflict—Palestine, Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and others.
My message is: do not stop doing what is right. Even if you feel alone, remember that your voice can still be heard, no matter how small your country is. You are not alone; others are listening and supporting you.