Geneva, 11 March 2025 – The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) has been officially re-accredited with “A” status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to human rights in Timor-Leste. The accreditation certificate was formally presented to Provedor for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, and Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights, Maria Marilia da Costa, recognizing PDHJ’s adherence to international human rights standards and its independent, effective work in the country.
This achievement places Timor-Leste among the only two Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries, alongside Portugal, to hold “A” status accreditation—a testament to PDHJ’s dedication to upholding global human rights principles. GANHRI’s accreditation follows the Paris Principles, which establish the standards for national human rights institutions (NHRIs). To maintain “A” status, institutions must demonstrate independence from the government, a broad human rights mandate, adequate funding and resources, and transparency in leadership. With this accreditation, PDHJ retains full participation rights within the UN Human Rights Council and other international human rights mechanisms, allowing it to further advocate for human rights on the global stage.
The Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) commended PDHJ’s progress in several key areas, including its commitment to inclusive leadership, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the selection of the Provedor (Ombudsman) and advocating for a more inclusive process involving civil society. PDHJ was also praised for its advancements in gender representation, with women holding 59% of managerial roles, demonstrating significant progress toward gender equality. The institution’s effectiveness in implementing human rights recommendations from 2018 to 2022 further reinforced its role in ensuring government accountability. Additionally, the SCA acknowledged PDHJ’s ongoing efforts to secure financial independence, ensuring it can continue its vital work without external constraints.
PDHJ proudly welcomes this renewed accreditation, viewing it as a validation of its hard work and dedication. As the institution moves forward, it remains committed to further strengthening human rights protections in Timor-Leste and ensuring full compliance with the Paris Principles. This recognition serves as both an honour and a motivation for PDHJ to continue its mission over the next four years—working tirelessly to uphold human rights, promote democratic governance, and enhance public accountability.
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