Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) — Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice
PDHJ
Summary
The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) is established under Article 27 of the Constitution of Timor-Leste (2002) and Law No. 7/2004. The Provedor (Ombudsman) is elected by the National Parliament for a 4-year renewable term and may be removed only for cause. The PDHJ investigates complaints of human rights violations and maladministration by public authorities, may request documents and information from any state body, and submits annual reports to Parliament. The PDHJ is also the national preventive mechanism for torture under OPCAT.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Law No. 7/2004 on the Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça
- Citation
- Law No. 7/2004 on the Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ); Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (2002), Art. 27
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
All government bodies, state institutions, and public authorities of Timor-Leste; receives complaints about human rights violations and maladministration; may investigate without a formal complaint.