Dili, Timor-Leste (16–20 March 2026) – The Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Timor-Leste and Indonesia, Mr.Martin de Boer, conducted a week-long official visit to Dili from 16 to 20 March 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing the implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the country.
Mr. de Boer arrived in Dili from Denpasar on Monday, 16 March, where he was received with a diplomatic reception. The following day, Tuesday 17 March, began with an internal briefing, followed by meetings with the Ministry of Justice and the Commander of the F-FDTL.
On Wednesday, 18 March, Mr. de Boer met with the Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence. This was followed by a luncheon meeting with leadership from the Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), including the Secretary General and President. In the afternoon, he held discussions with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and later attended an evening dinner with representatives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the American Red Cross in Dili.
On Thursday, 19 March, Mr. de Boer met with the President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, and the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão. During these high-level engagements, he was accompanied by CVTL President Madalena Hanjam, Secretary General Agapito da Silva, External Relations Coordinator Vidiana Xareal, and ICRC Head of Office in Dili Mr.João Martins Alves. The day also included a ceremonial handover of ICRC memorial photographs to the Comissão Nacional Chega – CNC.
Mr. de Boer concluded his visit on Friday, 20 March, departing Dili for Jakarta via Denpasar.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. de Boer noted that discussions throughout the week focused on the ICRC’s historical activities in Timor-Leste between 1975 and 1999, as well as current efforts to strengthen the implementation of International Humanitarian Law across the country.
He emphasized that the ICRC continues to promote and enhance IHL through close cooperation with national institutions, particularly the CVTL, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the F-FDTL, and the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste.
“These meetings reflect a strong commitment to continued collaboration between the ICRC, the Government of Timor-Leste, and the Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste to promote humanitarian principles and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law,” he stated.
The visit underscores the enduring partnership between the ICRC and Timor-Leste in advancing humanitarian values and strengthening institutional frameworks for the protection of human dignity.
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