Dili, 26 May 2025 – The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) celebrated its 21st anniversary with a ceremony held at its national office in Caicoli, where Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres Lamukan, delivered a strong message on the state of human rights and governance in Timor-Leste.
Joined by senior leadership and staff from both national and municipal offices, the Ombudsman used the occasion to present key institutional outputs, including the 2024 Activity Report and several thematic monitoring reports. These included findings on health system performance, particularly shortages of essential medicines, inadequate maternity facilities, and limited human resources in referral hospitals, health centres, and health posts across all 12 municipalities, Ataúro, and RAEOA.
PDHJ also released a report on detention cell monitoring, highlighting continued concerns over poor infrastructure and conditions in municipal police stations and detention posts. Another monitoring report covered the situation in Uma Mahon and social protection centres, revealing gaps in basic services. In addition, the institution submitted 32 final investigation reports, many of which involved serious violations by public officials.
In his address, the Ombudsman stressed that the most frequent and severe violations in 2024 were committed by members of the National Police (PNTL) and teachers. He cited examples of police brutality, including a disturbing case in Manufahi where a young man was injured after a traffic officer forced his ear against a motorcycle exhaust pipe. “This kind of punishment is not lawful. It is degrading and a clear violation of human rights,” said Guterres.
The Ombudsman also expressed alarm over the Ministry of Health’s decision not to renew contracts for nearly 2,000 health workers, which has had a direct impact on service delivery, especially in remote areas. PDHJ monitoring found that some health posts were unable to operate properly due to the lack of staff, medicines, and essential equipment.
In the prison system, the institution observed that some detainees still lacked access to legal assistance and proper healthcare. At Suai Prison, inmates went without hygiene supplies, including soap and toothpaste, for nearly two months, while food deliveries were delayed due to logistical constraints. Although PDHJ found no evidence of torture inside detention cells, it reported that abuse often occurs during arrest and transport, particularly during the use of handcuffs or excessive force.
Guterres acknowledged that some of the shortcomings are linked to limited resources and procurement challenges faced by PNTL. However, he urged the Ministry of Interior and the PNTL General Command to take concrete steps to improve conditions in detention facilities and ensure compliance with human rights standards.
All findings and recommendations will be formally submitted to the National Parliament, the Prime Minister, and key institutions, including the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministries of Justice, Health, Education, and State Administration, as well as MCAE, CAC, the PNTL General Command, and the RAEOA Authority.
“Marking this anniversary is more than a celebration,” said Guterres. “It is a reminder of our duty to protect dignity, demand accountability, and strengthen the foundations of justice in Timor-Leste.”
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