Dili, 02 December 2024 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) has kicked off another round of its regular human rights training program for Military Police (PM) members, focusing on human rights and the duties of law enforcement. The five-day training, held from December 2 to 6 in Dili, is part of the Ombudsman’s broader initiative to promote human rights within Timor-Leste’s security forces. The program is designed to enhance the understanding of PM members about their responsibilities under national and international human rights law, ensuring that they uphold the rights and freedoms of all individuals they serve.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa emphasized the critical role that the Military Police play in safeguarding human rights and maintaining public order in Timor-Leste. She noted that the training also aligns with the country’s democratic principles, reinforcing that all public entities, including the Military Police, must respect and protect the fundamental rights of every person. The training is part of an ongoing effort by PDHJ to equip both the Police and the Timor-Leste Defence Forces (F-FDTL) with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent human rights violations, both domestically and during international peacekeeping missions.
The session was also attended by Major Mateus de Jesus, the Military Police Unit Commander, who underlined the importance of the training for PM members. He highlighted that understanding human rights and their application is crucial for effective policing and for fostering a culture of respect and accountability within the force. This session marks the continuation of a series of human rights education programs organized by the Ombudsman’s office, which have been ongoing for several years. The current cohort includes 21 participants, three of whom are women, and is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the PM’s role in upholding justice and human rights across Timor-Leste.
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