PDHJ and MAE Facilitate Three-Day Training for Community Leaders in Bobonaro Municipality

Maliana, 12–14 August 2025 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), in collaboration with the Ministry of State Administration (MAE), conducted a three-day capacity-building training for 28 newly elected Heads of Suku (villages) in Bobonaro Municipality. The training took place at Maria Tapo Hall in Maliana and was implemented under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 between Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan” and Minister of State Administration Tomas Cabral.

The MoU outlines four priority areas for strengthening local leadership: human rights, good governance, conflict resolution, and mediation/conciliation. The training was designed to equip community leaders with the knowledge and practical tools to apply these principles in their daily work.

In her opening and closing remarks, Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Maria Marilia da Costa structured her message around these four pillars. She urged participants to protect the fundamental rights of all community members, practice inclusive and accountable governance, resolve disputes fairly, and approach mediation and conciliation with humility and respect.

“As community leaders, you are the frontline defenders of your people’s rights,” she said. “Good leaders protect rather than dominate. They listen, they solve problems, and they uphold justice and dignity in every decision they make.”

She also called on the Suku Heads to collaborate with relevant stakeholders including women’s and youth organizations, religious groups, and state security institutions to ensure communities receive proper services and protection under the law.

Reaffirming PDHJ’s mandate, she noted:

“We are open to working with all partners to promote good governance, protect human rights, safeguard democratic rule of law, and ensure accountability for past injustices.”

Also speaking at the event, Julio Caeiro, Secretary to the President of the Bobonaro Municipal Authority for Social Affairs, encouraged participants to treat the training as a practical guide for leadership:

“The materials you have received should serve as a reference to build communities that are not only rich in culture but also strong in human rights protection, without exception or discrimination,” he said. “Suku Heads must promote participation from all groups women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in decision-making.”

The training gathered 28 Suku Heads, including one woman and 27 men, with sessions delivered by PDHJ trainers and facilitated by MAE.

This program follows similar three-day training sessions previously conducted by PDHJ and ESTATAL for new Suku Heads in Manufahi, Covalima, and Manatuto Municipalities and will continue in other municipalities in the coming months.