Permanent Mission of Timor Leste

Permanent Mission of Timor Leste to the United Nations 🇹🇱
370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1704 New York, NY 10017

Timor-Leste’s permanent mission is located in a small office in Midtown East. There I met with Ambassador Karlito Nunes, who has been the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations since 2016. Our conversation spanned many topics, starting with the colossal role the United Nations played in restoring Timor-Leste’s independence after nearly 30 years of occupation. Though the UN no longer directly administrates the country or deploys peacekeepers, it still aids Timor-Leste through programs that combat a variety of issues like violence against women (Spotlight Initiative), poverty, and economic growth (UN Development Programme), combatting climate change, and managing elections. In the United Nations, Timor-Leste has prioritized human rights due to their experience during the nation’s occupation. The country has declared their candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2024-2026 term and look to build upon their failed 2008 campaign. Overall, the relationship between the United Nations and Timor-Leste has been a success story with the small island country advancing greatly post-independence and becoming one of the freest and stable democracies in Southeast Asia. I would like to thank Ambassador Nunes for meeting with me and his staff for arranging the meeting!