Dili 25 June 2024 -The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) presented its 2023 annual report to the National Parliament during an ordinary plenary session on 25 June 2024.
The presentation of this report complies with Articles 11, 34, and 46 of Law Number 7/2004 dated 26 May, which obligates the PDHJ to annually submit a report to the National Parliament and a financial report to the Court of Ministers, as stipulated in Articles 10, 27, and 38 of Law Number 9/2011 dated 17 August.
Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, Chief of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, emphasized that while the Ombudsman is mandated by law to oversee public entities in practicing good governance, it is also obligated to fulfill these reporting requirements. “Only by fulfilling these obligations does the Ombudsman maintain the moral and political authority necessary to oversee public entities,” he said.
The report, presented by Chief Ombudsman Virgilio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’ and Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance Rigoberto Monteiro, includes two major programs: human rights and good governance, and institutional development programs, comprising seven sub-programs and 20 activities.
To support these activities, the 2023 budget for the Ombudsman’s office amounts to US $1,803,421.00, allocated across three categories: salaries and wages totaling US $1,367,692.00 (76%), goods and services totaling US $420,549.00 (23%), and public transfers totaling US $15,000.00 (1%) from the approved budget. From the total State Budget (OGE) allocated, the PDHJ executed 94.5 percent.
In addition to presenting the 2023 annual report, the PDHJ also reported on its activities from January to May 2024 and outlined future plans.
During the presentation session, members of parliament provided appreciation, criticism, and recommendations. The Chief of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice expressed gratitude to the National Parliament and committed to following the recommendations to strengthen cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights and good governance in the future.
The plenary session was chaired by the President of Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, accompanied by deputies, with the presence of members of parliament, the Chief of Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance, directors, and advisors.
This post is also available in: Tetun