Oé-Cusse, 8 June 2026 – For many university students, understanding the role of state institutions is an important step toward becoming active and responsible citizens. With this objective in mind, the Territorial Delegation of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) in RAEOA organized an outreach and awareness session for students of the Universidade Dili Institute of Technology – Regional Campus Enclave Oe-Cusse (DITKREO) in Pante Macassar.
The session was led by PDHJ Territorial Director Bartolomeu Gonçalves, accompanied by Promotion Officer Jose Tefa and Administration and Finance Officer Domingas D. Paixão Quefi. The team introduced students to PDHJ’s mandate and functions, focusing on the principles of human rights, good governance, and the procedures for submitting complaints to the Ombudsman.
A total of 76 participants, including students and lecturers, attended the event, comprising 45 men and 31 women. For many of the students, particularly those beginning their university studies in the 2026 academic year, the session provided their first opportunity to learn in detail about the work of PDHJ and the mechanisms available for citizens to seek redress when their rights are violated or when public services fail to meet standards of good governance.
Throughout the discussion, participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to better understand how human rights principles and good governance affect their daily lives. Students said they were particularly interested in learning about the complaint process and the role of PDHJ in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting accountability within public institutions.
Representing the Director of DITKREO, Academic Coordinator Vicente da Conceição Teme welcomed the PDHJ delegation and emphasized the importance of exposing students to the functions of key state institutions. He noted that awareness and civic education are essential for university students, especially new entrants, to help them understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens of Timor-Leste.
Teme encouraged students to pay close attention to the presentations and use the knowledge gained to contribute positively to their communities. He urged them to become advocates for human rights and active promoters of good governance, helping to build a more just, transparent, and accountable society.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, during which students enthusiastically engaged with the PDHJ team, seeking further clarification on human rights protections, public administration, and the Ombudsman’s role in addressing citizens’ concerns. The active participation demonstrated a growing interest among young people in civic engagement and the promotion of democratic values in Timor-Leste.
Through initiatives such as this, PDHJ continues to strengthen public awareness of human rights and good governance, while encouraging the next generation to play an active role in protecting rights, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of justice throughout the country.
This post is also available in: Tetun