1. The State shall promote and encourage youth initiatives towards the consolidation of
national unity, reconstruction, defence and development of the country.
2. The State shall promote education, health and vocational training for the youth as
may be practicable.
Section 20
(Senior Citizens)
1. Every senior citizen has the right to special protection by the State.
2. The old age policy entails measures of economic, social and cultural nature designed
to provide the elderly with opportunities for personal achievement through active and
dignified participation in the community.
Section 21
(Disabled citizens)
1. A disabled citizen shall enjoy the same rights and shall be subject to the same duties
as all other citizens, except for the rights and duties which he or she is unable to
exercise or fulfil due to his or her disability.
2. The State shall promote the protection of disabled citizens as may be practicable and
in accordance with the law.
Section 22
(East Timorese citizens overseas)
East Timorese citizens who are or live overseas shall enjoy protection by the State for the
exercise of their rights and shall be subject to duties not incompatible with their absence
from the country.
Section 23
(Interpretation of fundamental rights)
Fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution shall not exclude any other rights
provided for by the law and shall be interpreted in accordance with the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Section 24
(Restrictive laws)
1. Restriction of rights, freedoms and guarantees can only be imposed by law in order to
safeguard other constitutionally protected rights or interests and in cases clearly
provided for by the Constitution.