Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman (PDHJ) Silverio Pinto said the organization plans to revise its internal laws as several positions and systems need to be improved and updated.
He explained that in the past the director was responsible for good governance and human rights monitoring, as well as advocacy and civic training.
However, a national directorate would now be established to take on this role.
“These directorates will focus on good governance and human rights issues,” said Pinto in Dili.
He added that the Director General would become the Executive Secretary and a cabinet responsible for ombudsman protocol would be established.
The cabinet would also be responsible for arranging the ombudsman’s activities and trips.
He said provisions had been in the laws for subsidies to be provided to those with an additional work load.
He said the proposed new laws had been prepared by PDHJ and would be sent to the council of ministers to be discussed and approved.
Member of Parliament MP Francisco da Costa said while all institutions should have strong internal laws, existing laws that were working well should be maintained.
“We need to look where the laws need to change, but in general they are being changed to do a better job in the future,” he said.
He hoped that the changes would proceed despite the problems faced in Timor-Leste and the weak implementation of laws.
