21 July 2026, Baucau – The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) of Baucau Municipality, organized a one-day workshop on Humanitarian Operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and an Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) at the Baucau Municipal Police Command.
The workshop brought together 25 PNTL officers, including 10 women and 15 men, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge and understanding of humanitarian operations during emergency situations, as well as the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law.
During the training, participants learned about the history of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RCRC), the respective roles and mandates of CVTL and the ICRC, and the basic principles and application of International Humanitarian Law.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Second Commander of the Baucau Municipal Police Command, Superintendent Fasiu de Jesus Lima; the Head of the ICRC Mission in Timor-Leste, Mr. João Martins Alves; the President of the Municipal Directive Council (CDM) of CVTL Baucau Branch, Mrs. Regina de Sousa; the Coordinator of CVTL Baucau Branch, Mr. Cipriano Magno; and the ICRC Focal Point at CVTL, Mr. Matias da Cruz.
In his opening remarks, Superintendent Fasiu de Jesus Lima expressed his appreciation to the ICRC and CVTL for organizing the workshop, noting that it had enhanced the knowledge of PNTL officers on International Humanitarian Law. He encouraged all participants to make the most of this valuable learning opportunity and to apply the knowledge gained in their professional duties.
Speaking at the event, Mr. João Martins Alves, Head of the ICRC Mission in Timor-Leste, highlighted the importance of the training for security and law enforcement authorities. He emphasized that a sound understanding of International Humanitarian Law enables officers to carry out their responsibilities effectively during both peace and armed conflict, while respecting human dignity and upholding the humanitarian principles and obligations established under the Geneva Conventions and other international legal instruments.
Mrs. Regina de Sousa, President of the Municipal Directive Council (CDM) of CVTL Baucau Branch, reaffirmed CVTL’s commitment to working alongside its partners to promote humanitarian values and strengthen awareness of International Humanitarian Law among key national institutions.
The workshop was conducted with financial support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of its continued partnership with CVTL to promote humanitarian principles and build the capacity of national stakeholders in Timor-Leste.
