U.S. Ambassador Hands Over a New Movable Office
for Provedor’s Anti-Corruption Programs

In simple ceremonies at the Office of the Provedor (PDHJ) in Dili, United States Ambassador Hans Klemm formally handed over to the Provedor (“Ombudsman”) of Timor-Leste, Dr. Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, a new movable office for the Corruption Prevention and Public Education Units of PDHJ. The movable office structure will provide working spaces for PDHJ anti-corruption staff as well as interns under training for corruption prevention and anti-corruption civic education.

The provision of new office spaces represents continued support of the U.S. Government for the independent oversight institution and its efforts to promote transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law in the country. “We are very grateful to the Government and the people of America for this investment in our country’s future”, the Provedor said. “Your Office’s functions are essential to the success of democracy in Timor-Leste: fighting corruption and maladministration in Government, and strongly supporting human rights. As the world’s oldest democracy, we are trying to help the youngest democracy in these crucial areas,” U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm said in his remarks.

USAID supported the establishment and organizational development of the Office of the Provedor, and continues to assist in building the capacity of the Provedor’s Office to investigate and conduct anti-corruption operations and monitor human rights violations.

The Office of the Provedor opened its doors and started accepting complaints from the public in March 2006. To date, the PDHJ has received a total of 297 human rights, maladministration and corruption complaints.

“We are determined to increase the pace of our anti-corruption efforts and to continue striving towards making honesty and integrity the pillars of our society in Timor-Leste”, the Provedor said.

The Provedor’s Office is currently implementing an internship program intended to give new university graduates work experience and a better understanding of anti-corruption work. The internship will be implemented over a period of one year divided into two six-month semesters. The program is expected to develop a core group of young and idealistic anti-corruption officers with appropriate skills to perform specialized anti-corruption functions. USAID partner Management Sciences for Development facilitated the provision of external expertise and funding for the internship program.

To boost its anti-corruption efforts, the Provedor’s Office will soon be launching a public education campaign.