Ermera, 11 June 2025 – Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres, and the President of the Ermera Municipal Authority, José Martinho dos Santos Soares, officially opened a training program aimed at strengthening good governance and combating corruption within the public administration of Ermera Municipality, contributing to broader efforts in Timor-Leste.
The training, held at the Gleno Administration Hall, carries the theme “Prevent and Combat Corruption to Promote Good Governance and Protect Public Services in Timor-Leste.” The initiative forms part of the Quadrilateral Partnership and is supported by UNDP under the Tripartite Partnership Project (TPP).
The program aims to reinforce institutional cooperation and provide civil servants in Ermera with the knowledge and skills needed to promote and protect human rights, prevent corruption, understand the duties and rights of public officials, and control and prevent irregularities and mismanagement in public administration.
“The State established oversight bodies such as the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), the Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC), the Public Function Commission (CFP), and the General Inspectorate of the State (IGE) to ensure that public administration serves the public interest,” said Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres.
He urged directors and senior officials to lead with fairness and integrity. “Directors and those in leading positions must rigorously supervise their staff, but always act fairly. We must not make decisions based on personal interests or relationships that result in unfair treatment of employees,” he emphasized.
The Ombudsman noted that complaints are often received regarding disciplinary decisions that are not based on proper investigations. “There have been cases where officials suspended by the CFP were later vindicated by the courts, with their rights as public servants restored,” he added.
In his remarks, Ermera Municipal Authority President José Martinho dos Santos Soares encouraged directors and senior officials to actively engage in the training. He underscored the importance of promoting good governance and protecting human rights in the workplace.
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