Díli, 24 March 2026 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan,” accompanied by Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance, Rigoberto Monteiro, and Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marília da Costa, met with the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay. The meeting aimed to follow up on a letter previously submitted by the Ombudsman requesting the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
During the meeting, the Ombudsman emphasized that ratifying OPCAT would fulfil Timor-Leste’s commitment to its international obligations. He referred to the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), commonly known as CHEGA, which called for measures to prevent future torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The Ombudsman also highlighted that, under its statutory mandate, the Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) has the competence to propose to the government the ratification of international treaties and to advocate for their implementation following ratification.
The Ombudsman further noted that ratifying international human rights instruments aligns with Timor-Leste’s standing as a nation committed to human rights and democratic values. As a small country, Timor-Leste can take pride in championing these principles on the international stage. The Ombudsman also suggested to the President of Parliament that, following ratification, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) could be vested in PDHJ. Under its current statute, the Ombudsman already holds the mandate to conduct visits to prisons, police detention centres, and other places where people are deprived of liberty, making it more efficient than creating a new body.
President of Parliament welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the proposals submitted by PDHJ. She noted that her office has communicated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expects the Ministry to submit a formal proposal for ratification to the National Parliament. Once received, Parliament will proceed with further action on the matter.
The meeting also addressed the urgent need for a Data Protection Law, a Cybersecurity Law, and a Cybercrime Law. Additionally, the discussion covered the importance of ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. PDHJ has finalized a concept note on this Convention and will conduct further consultations with civil society organizations before submitting it to Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, the Ombudsman raised the initiative to amend the PDHJ Statute to accommodate recent institutional developments and emerging necessities. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the institution’s mandate, enhance its effectiveness in protecting human rights and promoting good governance, and ensure alignment with international standards and the evolving needs of the Timorese people.
This post is also available in: Tetun