Díli, 30 october 2025 — The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”, accompanied by the Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa, received a delegation of students from the Universidade Estudantes Timor-Leste (UETL) at the PDHJ Office. The meeting aimed to discuss several important issues raised by UETL during their demonstration in September.
During the meeting, the UETL representatives presented several key points for discussion, including the continuation of the debate on the Law on Demonstrations (Law No. 1/2006 of 8 February)—especially Article 5, which restricts demonstrations within a 100-meter radius of sovereign organs, official residences of officeholders, military or militarized facilities, prisons, diplomatic or consular missions, and political party headquarters. The students further raised concerns regarding Law No.7/2025 of 29 september 2025, which revokes the monthly lifetime pension for former members of sovereign bodies, requesting PDHJ’s view on its execution and the institution’s constitutional oversight role under Article 150 of the Constitution.
In response, Ombudsman Guterres expressed appreciation for UETL’s organized and peaceful movement, emphasizing that youth and students have historically been vital agents of national transformation. He commended their critical thinking and encouraged them to remain vigilant and engaged as a “voice and conscience” of society, helping to balance political processes through civic participation.
The Ombudsman also took the opportunity to inform the students about Article 27 of the Constitution, which defines the PDHJ as an independent body responsible for addressing citizens’ complaints against public authorities, ensuring the legality of administrative actions, and initiating processes to remedy injustices. He underlined that while PDHJ does not hold decision-making power, it can issue recommendations to competent authorities and is empowered to conduct Abstract Review of Constitutionality as provided in Article 150.
Guterres further confirmed that the PDHJ had received complaints from citizens concerning the revocation of the lifetime pension law. Acting within its constitutional mandate, PDHJ had submitted a request for abstract constitutional review to the Court of Appeal on 24 October 2025. He clarified that PDHJ’s role is not to determine whether a law is constitutional or not—that authority lies solely with the Court of Appeal. “In a democratic rule of law, the Court’s decision is final and binding, and all citizens must respect it,” he stated.
Following the discussion, the UETL spokesperson expressed appreciation for PDHJ’s openness and commitment, affirming that the student body will continue to monitor the Court’s decision on the matter.
This post is also available in: Tetun