UNRC Speech at the Launch of Human Rights Training for Officers of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL)

Good morning, everyone.

First, I would like to pay my respects to:
The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice, Sr. Virgilio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”
Commander of Police Training Center Arquimino Bianco Ramos

Human Rights Trainers from the Police Training Centre, members of the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice, as well as from the United Nations

And most importantly,

All participants

It is a privilege to be here with you today to open this five-day human rights training course dedicated to the National Police of Timor-Leste.

First, I would like to congratulate the National Police of Timor-Leste on celebrating its 25th anniversary and to thank you for your professionalism and dedication to the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in promoting and protecting human rights. Your work, often carried out in complex and challenging contexts, is essential for the progress and protection of this young democracy. As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary this year – UN80 – your commitment to human rights reinforces the spirit of the Charter and the collective vision of a more peaceful and just world. 

Human rights promotion and protection are central to the UN Charter and key to building trust in institutions and promoting good governance and multilateralism. Trust in institutions unfortunately continues to erode, and that is why institutions like the Police are key to restoring trust with citizens by ensuring access to justice that is equitable, fair and aligned to international human rights standards. 

Secondly, I would like to congratulate the 2,764 members of the National Police who have been promoted this year. Such promotions send a strong and positive signal, recognising your professionalism, service, and ongoing commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the people of Timor-Leste. 

I truly hope that this training course will provide you with opportunities to gain new knowledge and share experiences and good practices on how you carry out your important functions of defending Timor-Leste with full respect for human rights, rule of law, and democratic values.

 There can be no space for the use of excessive force, ill-treatment, or torture in a democratic society governed by rule of law. These practices are serious human rights violations that not only harm individuals but also undermine the credibility of the police institution and the trust of the people it is meant to serve. 

The training you are participating in this week will provide you with valuable knowledge on key international human rights standards and policing principles. This will strengthen your ability to prevent violations and to take timely and appropriate action to uphold accountability and justice when such violations occur.

Timor-Leste actively promotes Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which aims to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Protecting human rights is not only a legal and moral obligation – it is also a pathway to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development. This aligns with the vision outlined in the Pact for the Future and UN Secretary General’s vision for renewed multilateralism and deeper international cooperation to address global challenges and protect fundamental freedoms.

The National Police is the primary institution responsible for law enforcement in this country. Timor-Leste has ratified and accepted many international human rights treaties, embedding them into its national framework. With a deeper understanding and internalisation of human rights principles, the representatives of the National Police will be better positioned to uphold the rule of law, safeguard public trust, and contribute to a democratic Timor-Leste where the rights of every citizen are respected and protected. A police force that upholds human rights is a police force that earns the confidence and respect of its people. In this interconnected world, building and maintaining trust in institutions is at the heart of multilateralism. 

To conclude, I would like to express how pleased we are that this training programme, led by Timor-Leste’s National Human Rights Institution, is being implemented in close cooperation with the Commander of the PNTL.

I would like to thank the Provedoria and the National Police of Timor-Leste for allowing the United Nations to be part of the development of this initiative over the past few years and supporting its delivery. The United Nations in Timor-Leste remains fully committed to continuing this collaboration and to supporting the implementation of what you will learn during this five-day course. As we look to the future together, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold human rights, strengthen institutions, and deliver on the promise of the United Nations Charter – for everyone, everywhere.

I wish you all success as you take these learnings forward in your daily work.

Obrigadu barak ba imi-nia atensaun.