Following a socialization session on Human Rights by a team from the Human Rights and Justice Ombudsmen (PDHJ) to members of the police from Liquisa Municipality, data emerged that no human right violations were filled against the police municipality.
PDHJ Ombudsman Silverio Pinto said in 2015 the Police Command of Liquisa municipality has not had any complaint from the communities against them.
“In Liquisa; we received no complaints from the communities against the police. This shows that our police members are aware of the regulations and laws in relation to human rights,” said Ombudsman Pinto in his office, in Kaikoli, Dili.
He said compared to previous years, reports of human rights abuses in the other municipalities had also decreased.
“For example in Suai and Ermera, during 2015, we only received one case,” he said.
Based on PDHJ’s observation and on the results of monitoring, security interventions undertaken have been proportional in relation to the incident and with responsibility
“There may have been instances of violation but they have taken responsibility for them,” said Ombudsman Pinto.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission B (for Security, Defense and Foreign Affairs), Member of Parliament MP Anna Ribeiro said PDHJ has shown significant progress and good results and that police members are also starting to demonstrate professionalism in particular in regards to human rights violations.
“They are fully aware they cannot commit human rights violations,” he said also.
He urged also the community, in particular youths, to follow the rules and the laws in place in the country.
Resident Almeida da Costa urged the PDHJ to continue raising awareness on human rights violations with the police and with students because some community members including students are still unfamiliar with this issue.
“Particularly in communities in rural areas; PDHJ must reach them as well,” she said.
