Dili, April 7, 2025 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, officially opened a five-day training on Human Rights and the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) for 25 officers from the Maritime Police Unit. The training is being held at the Comoro Police Training Centre in Dili from April 7–11, 2025.
In his opening remarks, the Ombudsman emphasized the institution’s role as an independent body mandated to oversee public entities and address citizens’ complaints, particularly concerning state institutions.
“PNTL, F-FDTL, and the Prison Guard are three entities clearly mentioned under Law No. 7/2004 as within the scope of the Ombudsman’s mandate. These are institutions where our work is particularly focused,” said Guterres.
He noted that, both in Timor-Leste and globally, police institutions often feature prominently in reports of human rights violations—even in countries with well-established democracies. This reality highlights the ongoing need for human rights education and greater institutional accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Guterres reminded participants of Article 147 of the Constitution, which sets the legal framework for the National Police. “Article 147 outlines two key principles: first, the police must uphold democratic legality and ensure internal security without political affiliation; second, crime prevention must always respect human rights.”
He explained that police presence at public demonstrations is not to suppress but to safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights, including the right to protest, strike, and freely express opinions—core elements of a functioning democracy. However, demonstrations must also respect public order, and the police are responsible for ensuring public safety and preventing disturbances.
Reflecting on Timor-Leste’s historical struggle, Guterres highlighted the nation’s symbolic role in promoting human rights. “In 1999, the United Nations came to help the Timorese people exercise their right to self-determination. On May 20, at Tasi Tolu, the world witnessed the rebirth of a nation that stands as a small candle shining light on the importance of human rights worldwide,” he said. “Human rights are not reserved for the powerful or wealthy—they are universal.”
He stressed that this training is crucial for strengthening the professionalism of the Maritime Police and ensuring their actions remain grounded in law and respect for human rights.
“Human rights are not foreign to us—they are an integral part of the Maubere people’s long struggle for independence,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Police Training Commander Arquimino Ramos expressed appreciation to the Ombudsman and his team for facilitating the training. He urged all officers, from agents to superintendents, to actively participate and take the training seriously.
“This training continues the efforts we began through the MoU between PNTL and PDHJ. It is essential to prevent crime while respecting citizens’ rights to free movement,” said Commander Ramos. “The police must defend the public’s right to safety, decent living conditions, and peaceful rest. Through this training, we aim to reduce human rights violations and improve PNTL’s professionalism, discipline, and lawful conduct.”
The five-day training is jointly facilitated by trainers from the PDHJ, PNTL, and the United Nations Human Rights Advisory Unit (UADU). It aims to enhance the capacity and professionalism of the Maritime Police Unit in upholding and protecting human rights in their daily operations.
This post is also available in: Tetun