Jakarta, Indonesia, 26-27 January 2026 – From January 26-27, 2026, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) hosted its second regional Dialogue on Human Rights and Policing in Jakarta, Indonesia. Among the distinguished speakers was Mr. Rigoberto Monteiro, Deputy Ombudsman (Deputy Provedor) of Timor-Leste’s Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ). Participating virtually in the opening session, Monteiro contributed to foundational discussions on international human rights standards, national legal frameworks, and the practical challenges of integrating rights-based approaches into policing across ASEAN.
In his presentation, Monteiro outlined PDHJ’s strategic work in promoting human rights and good governance, emphasizing its role in building public trust through community engagement. He detailed PDHJ’s capacity-building initiatives, noting that since 2015, the institution has trained over 729 National Police officers on human rights principles. Additionally, PDHJ conducts regular monitoring of detention facilities and public events to prevent violations, and handles public complaints—65 of which, between 2015 and 2025, were lodged against police and defense forces, often concerning allegations of torture or ill-treatment.
Monteiro also candidly addressed ongoing challenges, including political interference, the influence of martial arts groups and veterans on police work, and instances where security personnel have been directly involved in violence against communities. He called for enhanced regional support, urging AICHR to facilitate Timor-Leste’s fuller integration into ASEAN human rights mechanisms, align thematic programs with national priorities such as combating torture, and promote peer learning and institutional collaboration.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Ombudsman outlined PDHJ’s future actions, which include strengthening investigative capacities for complaints against police, reviewing cooperation agreements with the national police, and advocating for the ratification of the Optional Protocol against Torture. His participation underscored Timor-Leste’s proactive, yet evolving, engagement in regional human rights dialogues and highlighted the shared ASEAN journey toward policing that upholds dignity, accountability, and public trust.
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