Viqueque, 25 August 2025 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), in cooperation with the Ministry of State Administration through a Memorandum of Understanding, is conducting a three-day training program from 25–27 August 2025 for newly elected Suku (village) Heads in Viqueque Municipality.
The training covers the role of PDHJ, human rights, good governance, mediation and conciliation, gender equality, and human trafficking. Its primary objective is to enhance the capacity of Suku Heads so they can perform their duties professionally, uphold human rights, avoid discrimination, and ensure women’s participation in local decision-making processes.
“Good governance and human rights are inseparable,” said the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Maria Marilia da Costa during the opening session at Viqueque Administrative Post Hall. “As village leaders, you have a great responsibility to protect your communities and manage public administration effectively.”
The Deputy Ombudswoman emphasized that under Article 27 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Articles 3 and 8 of the PDHJ Statute, the Ombudsman has the authority to monitor public officials, including Suku Heads. “As public officials, you are expected to carry out your duties with integrity, respect the law, and safeguard the rights of the communities you serve. PDHJ has the mandate to oversee this conduct and to act when violations occur,” she noted.
She urged participants to pay close attention to the training materials, as they directly relate to their responsibilities in governance, human rights protection, and mediation at the community level. “Our culture values solidarity and mutual respect. By strengthening good governance and human rights, we strengthen our society as a whole,” she added.
The Deputy Ombudsman also highlighted the vital role of Suku Heads as frontline defenders of community rights. “Leadership is not only about holding a ministerial position. At the local level, Suku Heads are critical leaders because you know your communities best. This training is not to replace your knowledge but to reinforce and deepen it, so you can serve your people with fairness, integrity, and respect for human rights,” she concluded.
This post is also available in: Tetun