Dili, 14 January 2025 – The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice of Timor-Leste on 7 January received a delegation representing victims from Chin State, Myanmar, led by Salai Za Uk, Executive Director of the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO). The delegation also included Michael Hearn, Head of Investigations at CHRO, Chris Gunness, Director of the Myanmar Accountability Project, and legal representatives from Da Silva Teixeira & Associados, including Nuno Marrazes. The meeting focused on information shared regarding alleged human rights violations affecting minority communities in Myanmar, particularly in Chin State.
During the meeting, the Ombudsman emphasized that discussing and engaging with human rights issues in other countries is not a burden for PDHJ or for Timor-Leste. Rather, it serves as an important reminder of the international solidarity that Timor-Leste itself received during its long struggle for independence. He expressed appreciation to the delegation for sharing their concerns and reaffirmed PDHJ’s openness should the team decide to file a case before the Timorese Court of Appeal. The Ombudsman also stressed PDHJ’s full respect for the independence of the judiciary and underlined that any decision of the court must be respected and upheld.
The Ombudsman further underlined the importance of ensuring that alleged victims of human rights violations have access to appropriate legal avenues to seek truth and justice. He emphasized the value of international cooperation and dialogue in addressing complex human rights situations, in line with international human rights standards and conventions ratified by Timor-Leste. Recalling Timor-Leste’s own experience of benefiting from international solidarity in the past, the Ombudsman reaffirmed PDHJ’s commitment to supporting efforts that promote accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
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