Last Friday the Timorese Government said it was committed to creating measures that made the legal system “truly bilingual and “working to ensure full and equal use of both languages.”

 “The decree says everyone has the right to speak in an official language, either orally or in writing, to any body or department of the justice sector and to receive a reply in the official language of their choice,” a government statement said.

Under the decree, the government said new laws would be published in both official languages - Tetum and Portuguese - and existing laws would be translated so that they are available in Tetum. An interpretation service for the courts and “other” judicial bodies has also been promised.

Agio Pereira, the Spokesperson for Minister of State said: “This newly approved decree is a landmark in our judicial development. It most significant because it creates the tools, structures and budgeting processes needed to turn our aim of equal use of our two official languages in the justice sector into reality.”