From July 22nd to 26th, the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), in collaboration with the UN Human Rights Advisory Unit and the Police Training Centre (CFP), conducted a training session aimed at enhancing the understanding of human rights among members of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) in the Special Administrative Region Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). The training was attended by 26 PNTL officers, 20 men and 6 women and focused on equipping participants with the knowledge necessary to prevent human rights violations within their community.
In her opening address, Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Maria Marilia da Costa stressed the training’s objective of familiarizing police officers with the legal frameworks for human rights, both domestically and internationally. This knowledge, she noted, is crucial for officers both domestically and during their involvement in international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations.
“As an independent institution mandated to promote and protect human rights and uphold good governance, the PDHJ extends its activities to encompass all public entities, including the Timor-Leste National Police,” stated the Deputy Ombudsman.
Highlighting Timor-Leste’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, the Deputy reinforced the PNTL’s duty as state agents to safeguard and uphold fundamental rights. This responsibility is enshrined in Article 147(2) of Timor-Leste’s Constitution, which mandates that the PNTL must uphold human rights in the prevention of criminal activities.
The Deputy Ombudsman underscored the collaborative effort between PDHJ and the PNTL, which began in 2015 and was reaffirmed in 2019, leading to 25 training sessions conducted across Timor-Leste from 2015 to 2023. These sessions have benefited a total of 708 participants, comprising 549 men and 159 women within the PNTL.
“This training underscores our commitment to enhancing the capacities of PNTL members, clarifying their responsibilities, and reinforcing their mission,” emphasized the Deputy.
In closing, the Deputy Ombudsman encouraged all trainees to actively engage in the five-day training program, emphasizing the importance of acquiring pertinent knowledge that will enhance their daily responsibilities.
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