Díli, 11 March 2026 — The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”, participated as a keynote speaker in a dialogue between the Government and civil society on land policy in Timor-Leste. The event, organized by Rede ba Rai at Hotel Timor, brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, local authorities, and community members to discuss challenges related to land management and urban planning. During the dialogue, the Ombudsman shared his perspective on forced evictions from a human rights standpoint, highlighting the need for policies that balance development goals with the protection of citizens’ rights.
In his remarks, the Ombudsman emphasized that urban planning in Díli must consider the historical development of the city and the reality of population growth driven by migration from other municipalities seeking economic and educational opportunities. “When discussing urban planning in Díli, we must first recognize that the city was established during the Portuguese colonial period and later became the capital where many people concentrate to access economic and educational opportunities,” he said. He stressed that urban planning initiatives must be guided by a clear master plan, meaningful public participation, and respect for constitutional guarantees related to expropriation and fair compensation. According to him, “no one is against development or the organization of the city, but the process must be based on a clear plan and adequate consultation with the community.” He further noted that forced evictions without proper planning, relocation measures, or compensation could constitute serious human rights violations.
The Ombudsman also underlined the importance of transparency and social responsibility in urban development policies. He pointed out that the absence of a comprehensive urban master plan has contributed to ad hoc eviction practices that impose significant social costs on affected communities. “If the State intends to reorganize urban areas, it must first present a clear plan and ensure that communities are given the opportunity to understand, participate, and advocate for their rights,” he stated. The Ombudsman reiterated that any eviction or expropriation must comply with constitutional principles, including the obligation to provide fair compensation and adequate measures to protect affected families.
The dialogue was officially opened by the Vice Prime Minister, Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, and provided a platform for constructive discussion between government officials, civil society organizations, and community representatives on improving land governance and promoting sustainable urban development in Timor-Leste.
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