Liquiçá, 15 June 2026 – The Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marília da Costa, together with Funmi Balogun, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, and the Deputy Commander of the Liquiçá Municipal Police Command, Assistant Superintendent Mateus da Costa Teixeira, officially opened a five-day training on Human Rights and the Role of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) for 25 police officers in Liquiçá Municipality.
Held under the theme “Carrying Out Police Duties with Respect for and Protection of Human Rights,” the training aims to strengthen officers’ understanding of human rights standards and ensure that policing activities are conducted in accordance with the law and the Constitution. The initiative reflects Article 147 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, which requires the PNTL to prevent crime while respecting fundamental human rights and freedoms.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Ombudsman Maria Marília da Costa said the training forms part of PDHJ’s 2026 programme, which includes similar activities for police officers in Dili, Ainaro, Liquiçá, and Lautém.
“PDHJ’s mandate includes cooperation with the PNTL to promote and protect human rights. This training reflects our commitment to strengthening that partnership and ensuring that human rights principles guide police work at all levels,” she said during the opening session held at the Liquiçá Municipal Police Command Hall.
She emphasized that PDHJ’s mission is to raise public awareness and promote a culture that respects human rights, the rule of law, and good governance, noting that the PNTL is one of the institution’s key partners. Under the PDHJ Law, the PNTL, the Defence Force (F-FDTL), and the Prison Service are among the institutions with which PDHJ is mandated to cooperate directly.
Addressing the participating officers, the Deputy Ombudsman acknowledged the challenges faced by police personnel and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with wearing the uniform.
“You carry not only authority, but also the trust of the people. A police uniform is more than a symbol of power; it is a promise to protect, to listen, and to treat every person with dignity, whether they are elderly, women, children, persons with disabilities, suspects, or victims. Every individual is a citizen whose rights must be respected,” she said.
She further stressed that human rights are not merely legal concepts but values reflected in everyday actions and decisions.
The training focuses on three key objectives: applying human rights principles in daily policing, respecting and protecting vulnerable groups, and strengthening trust between the police and the communities they serve. PDHJ reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the PNTL through capacity-building initiatives that promote professional, rights-based policing.
During the same session, the Deputy Ombudsman also facilitated a presentation on PDHJ’s role in promoting and protecting human rights and advancing good governance in Timor-Leste.
Speaking at the event, United Nations Resident Coordinator Funmi Balogun highlighted Timor-Leste’s opportunity to further strengthen its reputation as a democratic nation committed to human rights, good governance, and community-centred policing.
“As a young democracy that continues to earn international respect, Timor-Leste has a valuable opportunity to reinforce its commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and professional policing that places communities at the centre,” she said.
Balogun noted that police officers are not only guardians of public order but also protectors of constitutional rights and public trust. She emphasized that the professionalism and conduct of every officer directly influence citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the UN Resident Coordinator, the training provides an important opportunity for officers to reflect on international human rights standards relevant to their daily work, exchange practical experiences, strengthen operational knowledge, and enhance their professional capacity to carry out their duties effectively, responsibly, and in line with Timor-Leste’s human rights obligations.
She reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in strengthening the rule of law, promoting human rights, and building institutional capacity, noting that the partnership with the PNTL is an important part of these efforts.
Balogun also encouraged all participants, particularly female officers, to engage actively in discussions, share perspectives openly, and take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from one another and from the facilitators.
“I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained through this training will contribute positively to the continued development of the PNTL and to the security, dignity, and well-being of the people of Timor-Leste,” she said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of the Liquiçá Municipal Police Command, Assistant Superintendent Mateus da Costa Teixeira, urged all participants to make the most of the training despite its limited duration.
He encouraged officers to pay close attention to the lessons and experiences shared by the facilitators and to use the training as a practical reference when carrying out their duties in the field.
“We are entrusted with enforcing the law and maintaining public order. Yet, there are times when the police are accused of acting against the very laws we are meant to uphold or of violating human rights. That is why it is essential for us to understand clearly our responsibilities and the proper application of the law,” he said.
He stressed that, as frontline law enforcers working directly within communities, police officers must have a solid understanding of both legal procedures and human rights standards.
The training is facilitated by resource persons from PDHJ’s Promotion Directorate, the Police Training Centre, and the United Nations Human Rights Office in Timor-Leste. The programme runs from 15 to 19 June 2026 at the Liquiçá Municipal Police Command Hall and brings together 25 police officers, including both women and men.
This post is also available in: Tetun