New York (UN), 15 October 2026 (SPS) – Timor-Leste has reaffirmed its support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination through a free and fair referendum, stressing the need for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution under UN auspices that reflects their free will.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Timor-Leste welcomed efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Western Sahara issue through dialogue under UN auspices.
The delegation stressed that self-determination must not be imposed externally without the consent of the people concerned, emphasising the need to respect the Sahrawi people’s will and enable them to express it freely.
Timor-Leste also voiced support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to achieve a political solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
On human rights, it reiterated its support for strengthening protection mechanisms, including establishing a human rights monitoring component within the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), alongside continued humanitarian assistance.
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