Ossu, Viqueque, 5 June 2026 – For many students at Canossa Ossu Secondary School, a human rights awareness session organized by the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) became more than just another school activity—it was an opportunity to better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the institutions that exist to protect them.
A total of 63 students participated in the session, led by Elsa do Rosário Viegas da Costa, Director of PDHJ’s Baucau Regional Office, and Ana Belo, Promotions Officer. Through presentations and interactive discussions, students were introduced to the PDHJ’s mandate, human rights, good governance, gender-based violence, and the process for lodging complaints.
While the formal presentation provided the foundation, it was the discussion session that revealed the students’ curiosity and critical thinking. Participants raised questions about police conduct, the accountability of local authorities, discrimination against women and the LGBTI community, and the persistence of nepotism and partisanship in Timor-Leste. Some students also questioned whether certain school regulations respected their rights.
In response, PDHJ representatives explained that all citizens are equal before the law and emphasized that anyone who experiences a violation of their rights can seek assistance through the PDHJ or the public prosecutor’s office.
The impact of the session was reflected in the remarks of the school’s Student Affairs teacher, who welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of bringing such knowledge directly to young people.
“Until now, we and our students have been hungry for information about the PDHJ and its work,” she said. “Listening and seeing are not enough—we must put knowledge into practice. We are grateful that the PDHJ has come to share this important information with us.”
She also encouraged the institution to continue engaging with the school in the future, expressing hope that similar activities could be conducted regularly.
As a symbol of continued learning, PDHJ distribute a Good Governance Manual to the school library, making the resource available to both students and teachers.
By the end of the program, many participants said they had gained a clearer understanding of the PDHJ’s role and how citizens can seek protection when their rights are violated. More importantly, the session encouraged students to view themselves not only as learners, but also as active citizens with rights, responsibilities, and a voice in shaping a more just society.
This post is also available in: Tetun