Dili, 25 March 2025 – Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance, Rigoberto Monteiro, had the privilege of addressing new students of the Faculty of Law, National University of East Timor (UNTL) on March 25, 2025, as part of theirAcademic Practice program. His presentation focused on human rights issues within university settings and the crucial role of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) in safeguarding these rights.
The objective of the session was to raise awareness among students about their rights and the various human rights violations that can occur within academic institutions. Monteiro emphasized that common violations on university campuses include restrictions on freedom of expression, verbal and psychological abuse, harassment, sexual violence, the neglect of academic responsibilities by lecturers, and violations of employment rights in faculty hiring practices.
During his presentation, Monteiro highlighted the challenges of academic freedom, stating that “one of the most pressing issues in universities is the restriction of freedom of expression. Students often face obstacles when trying to voice critical opinions, particularly on sensitive topics such as gender-based violence and sexual harassment.”He noted that, in some cases, universities impose limitations on discussions about sexual violence or other cases committed by faculty members or fellow students. Other concerns include verbal or physical harassment, lecturers abandoning classes, and employment violations in faculty recruitment.
Monteiro further stressed the pivotal role of students in upholding academic integrity, human rights, and social justice. He encouraged students to actively engage in integrating human rights education into the university curriculum and in establishing a Human Rights Study Centre within the university. “Universities should serve as centres for ideological and academic debate, fostering discussions on fundamental issues that impact society. They must promote inclusivity, equality, and respect for all students, regardless of their background,” he stated.
He urged students to be proactive in advocating for mechanisms or guidelines within universities to protect women’s rights and to establish clear procedures for addressing violations when they occur. “Students must take an active role in raising awareness about human rights and governance issues. You are the agents of change, transformation, and social accountability,” he emphasized.
In addition, Monteiro called on students to be engaged in broader governance issues beyond the university, highlighting that mismanagement in public administration remains a persistent challenge since the government’s establishment in 2003. He pointed to “long queues, delays in processing citizenship documents, and inefficiencies in public service delivery” as recurring problems that demand greater accountability and reform.
Monteiro’s engagement with the students reinforced the importance of academic activism, critical thinking, and social responsibility in shaping a more just and democratic society.
This post is also available in: Tetun