Dili, 8 September 2026 — The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) held a meeting with the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP), represented by Detective Sergeant Daniel Wall and his team, to discuss the incorporation of human rights education into the recruitment and training of newly recruited members of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).
The discussion focused on identifying appropriate human rights content, technical guidance and potential areas of cooperation to ensure that human rights principles are integrated into the training of new police recruits. The initiative is particularly relevant as the TLPDP is preparing a training programme for approximately 700 new PNTL recruits.
During the meeting, Provedor Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan” highlighted the importance of equipping police officers with a strong understanding of human rights from the beginning of their careers. The PDHJ has on several occasions advocated for the incorporation of human rights lessons and training into the preparation of newly recruited police officers, as part of strengthening professional, accountable and rights-based policing.
PDHJ is already working with the PNTL and the United Nations Human Rights Unit to provide human rights training to police personnel. The current training covers six areas: introduction to human rights; the role of the PNTL and human rights; human rights standards on the use of force; standards related to search, seizure and detention; human rights protection during crises and constitutional states of emergency; and non-discriminatory policing.
The meeting provided an opportunity for PDHJ and TLPDP to discuss how these areas, together with other relevant human rights principles, could be incorporated into the training of new recruits.
TLPDP shared a draft handout on human rights and policing with PDHJ for review and further discussion. Both sides agreed to continue their cooperation in developing the training content and strengthening the capacity of police trainers, with the aim of ensuring that human rights principles are consistently integrated into the professional development of PNTL personnel.
The meeting was attended by the Provedor Guterres, Head of Cabinet Aureo José António Savio, Director of Promotion Joanita Silvira da Costa and representatives of the PDHJ’s Legal Advisory Unit Terencia Nunes, together with Detective Sergeant Daniel Wall and the TLPDP team.
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