Dili, May 26, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) celebrated its 21st anniversary under the theme “A Timor-Leste that respects and protects human rights and provides fair and effective public services.” The ceremony took place at the PDHJ building in Caicoli, Dili.
In his speech, the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio Guterres “Lamukan”, stated that this anniversary is a moment to reflect on the challenges and achievements the institution has faced over the years, in order to move forward and continue improving.
“Today, as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of PDHJ, we would like to express our gratitude to our founders who have passed on, to former PDHJ staff, and to important figures who became references in the fight for human rights advocacy and justice. In 2025, PDHJ lost one of its key leaders and two other important figures who were considered symbols of the human rights struggle,” said Provedor Virgílio Guterres.
He further explained that, based on Law No. 7/2004 which approved the Statute of the Provedoria, and according to Article 27 of the Constitution, PDHJ was established with the mandate to serve the public. Despite this, many people still do not fully understand that PDHJ is a state institution responsible for receiving complaints from any entity across Timor-Leste.
“We also extend our appreciation to our national leaders, especially the members of the Constituent Assembly, who, during the early discussions, had the vision to establish the PDHJ as an institution. We are proud that at the international level, PDHJ is recognized among ombudsman institutions that fulfill the criteria based on the principles of Indonesia and the Paris Principles,” the Provedor added.
He affirmed that the Indonesian principle emphasizes the importance of institutions grounded in strong legal frameworks and constitutional mandates. Thus, PDHJ exists because of its constitutional mandate as outlined in Article 27.
“We also appreciate the political leaders of the first legislature, who later enacted the law that approved Law No. 7/2004, which also introduced the Anti-Corruption Commission. This law defines the statute, competencies, and responsibilities of the PDHJ in supporting the execution of its constitutional mandate,” the Provedor noted.
He went on to say that despite the country’s history with its struggle for freedom, the political leaders had the foresight and courage to establish an important institution like PDHJ in this beloved land.
He concluded by thanking all the politicians who, with great will, succeeded in establishing PDHJ in Timor-Leste since 2004. He emphasized that many other countries do not have such an institution or do not meet the required criteria. Within the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), only Timor-Leste and Portugal have established PDHJ-type institutions that meet the “Paris Principles” required for such entities.
Reported by: Nelfiano
Photo by: Nelfiano