Dili, 14 October 2024, Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance Rigoberto Monteiro participated as a speaker in a national seminar titled “Eviction and Urban Normalization: Political Perspectives, Social Impact, and Sustainable Development.” The event was organized by the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FCS) of the National University of East Timor (UNTL).
Monteiro praised the students from the Department of Sociology for their initiative in organizing this important debate, highlighting the necessity for university students to engage in discussions about public policy.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the UNTL Department of Sociology for promoting such discussions. It is crucial that we address public policy issues without hesitation,” Monteiro stated during his remarks at FCS-UNTL.
He emphasized the seminar’s relevance to the topic of administrative eviction, noting that while many laws govern eviction processes in Timor, the government must also consider the social impacts of these decisions. “From a political perspective, it’s vital to recognize the implications of eviction on human rights,” he said.
Monteiro called for a reevaluation of public policies that do not prioritize human rights, asserting that discussions like this are essential for reminding the government of the significant consequences of its decisions.
He added that while community discussions could lead to changes in established policies, the needs of the population should always come first. “Everyone desires a clean city, but we must remember that the well-being of our people is paramount,” he explained.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts among various ministries to avoid overlap and clarify responsibilities, particularly concerning the Secretary of State for Toponymy and Urban Organization Affairs (SEATOU) and local municipalities. “Effective coordination is crucial to prevent human rights violations,” Monteiro concluded.
The seminar took place in the FCS-UNTL Audit Hall and featured speakers from SEATOU, the Dean of FCS, the Director of the Sociology Department, and representatives from various land advocacy groups associated with FCS UNTL.
This post is also available in: Tetun