Intervention by the Provedor de Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste
AOA 30th Anniversary Informal Online Meeting – 16 April 2026
Your Excellency Mr. Naveed Kamran Baloch, President of the Asian Ombudsman Association and Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan,
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge and thank His Excellency Mr. Naveed Kamran Baloch for convening this informal online meeting on this historic occasion , the 30th anniversary of the Asian Ombudsman Association.
It is a great honour for me to join this important gathering.
On behalf of the Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça of Timor-Leste (PDHJ), I extend our sincere congratulations to the AOA for three decades of dedicated efforts in promoting good governance, accountability, and the protection of human rights across our region.
This milestone is not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relevance of Ombudsman institutions as independent guardians of justice, bridging the gap between citizens and the state.
The AOA has played a vital role in strengthening cooperation among member institutions, fostering the exchange of knowledge, and reinforcing our shared commitment to transparency, integrity, and the rule of law. These principles remain fundamental in addressing the complex governance challenges we face today.
In Timor-Leste, the Ombudsman is constitutionally mandated to act as an independent oversight body. Our core functions include:
- Receiving and investigating complaints from citizens against public authorities;
- Addressing maladministration, abuse of power, and acts of injustice by state institutions;
- Issuing recommendations to rectify administrative wrongs and prevent their recurrence; and
- Promoting good governance alongside the protection of human rights.
In this capacity, we serve as a bridge between the people of Timor-Leste and their government ensuring that public officials act lawfully, fairly, and with accountability.
These priorities align closely with our broader mission to foster a society where human dignity is respected and public institutions act in accordance with the rule of law.
At the same time, we recognize that the challenges we face ranging from governance gaps to emerging human rights issues, require not only national action but also strong regional cooperation. In this regard, the AOA remains an essential platform for collaboration, enabling us to share experiences, learn from one another, and collectively strengthen the effectiveness of our institutions.
As we celebrate this important anniversary, the PDHJ reaffirms its commitment to the values and objectives of the AOA. We stand ready to continue contributing actively to this network and to work together in advancing justice, accountability, and human rights for all.
In closing, I once again congratulate the Asian Ombudsman Association on its 30th anniversary and wish the Association continued success in the years ahead.
Thank you.