On January 25, 2025, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice of Timor-Leste, Virgilio Guterres, delivered an impactful address at the celebration of the 2nd anniversary of Diligente, the first Timorese media outlet broadcasting entirely in Portuguese. The event, held at the Fundação Oriente auditorium in Dili, underscored the significant role Diligente has already played in Timor-Leste’s media landscape, particularly its commitment to covering critical issues such as human rights, the promotion of the Portuguese language, and the protection of cultural heritage.
In his speech, Guterres congratulated Diligente for its remarkable contribution to journalism in such a short period of time. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of truth in the face of challenges, noting that in the current era, truth often comes under attack. He pointed out that the persistence of Diligente in preserving factual, unbiased reporting is crucial in times when misinformation can overshadow reality.
“The existence of Diligente is crucial not only for its journalistic contributions but also for its role in promoting the Portuguese language and fostering literacy in Timor-Leste,” said Guterres. He acknowledged the media outlet’s efforts to develop a glossary that helps readers, teachers, and students better understand complex Portuguese vocabulary and concepts. These initiatives contribute to enhancing the skills of the next generation of Timorese citizens.
The Ombudsman also drew parallels between the media’s role and the importance of protecting human rights in Timor-Leste, noting that the country is still grappling with its history of violence and struggles for justice. He stressed that the work of media outlets like Diligente plays a pivotal role in pushing for transparency and accountability, especially in the face of ongoing challenges within the political and governance systems.
Reflecting on the broader challenges Timor-Leste faces, Guterres emphasized the need for continued progress in the fight for justice and national development. “There is much work to be done. We are still in the process of building, and Diligente deserves our congratulations for continuing to play a crucial role in promoting journalism committed to the truth in times when silence often prevails,” he noted.
The celebration was also attended by several ambassadors and media representatives, reinforcing the importance of responsible and active communication in advancing the country and strengthening its democracy. Guterres concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of continuing this mission, saying: “The fight for press freedom and human rights must be constant. Diligente is an example of how a media outlet can contribute to our evolution as a society.”
This post is also available in: Tetun