According to a Facebook post published by the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) on June 11, da Costa visited the shelter to assess living conditions, safety, dignity and access to basic services for residents.

The Deputy Ombudsman, accompanied by Oé-Cusse Territorial Delegate Director Bartolomeu Gonçalves, also met shelter director Lourdes de Almeida to discuss operational challenges, service gaps and possible improvements to strengthen protection services.

Da Costa praised the shelter for providing protection and assistance to victims, while emphasising the importance of ensuring residents' rights are respected, the PDHJ said.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shelters, known locally as Uma Mahon, play a key role in Timor-Leste's response to domestic and gender-based violence, providing temporary accommodation and support services to women and children fleeing abuse.

The visit comes as Timor-Leste continues efforts to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups.

While nationwide data on children currently residing in shelters is limited, women's rights organisation FOKUPERS reported that 377 children accompanied women survivors of violence staying in its shelters and safe houses between 2018 and 2021.

The PDHJ said the visit formed part of its ongoing monitoring activities to ensure human rights standards are upheld in institutions providing care and protection to vulnerable people.