Timor-Leste's Commitment to Ending Violence Against Children
Timor-Leste is intensifying its commitment to eradicating violence against children through recent national consultations and strengthened regional cooperation with ASEAN and UNICEF. On June 10, 2025, a pivotal public consultation was held at Timor Plaza in Dili, organized by the Institute for the Defense of Children’s Rights (INDDICA) and UNICEF Timor-Leste. This event focused on reviewing and finalizing the ASEAN Regional Plans of Action aimed at eliminating violence against children and protecting them from online exploitation and abuse.
The consultation brought together government representatives, civil society, and development partners to reflect on collective efforts to safeguard children both offline and online. UNICEF’s country representative, Patrizia DiGiovanni, praised the active involvement of key ministries and highlighted the consultation as a crucial step in Timor-Leste’s contribution to ASEAN’s regional strategies. She emphasized that this initiative coincides with a historic moment as Timor-Leste prepares to become a full ASEAN member in October 2025, a milestone expected to enhance regional collaboration on child protection.
UNICEF and INDDICA are working closely to strengthen the national child protection system, addressing emerging risks in digital spaces and ensuring children’s rights are respected in all environments. The consultation also laid the groundwork for a forthcoming youth-focused dialogue, recognizing the importance of children’s participation in shaping policies that affect them.
Timor-Leste’s upcoming ASEAN membership is significant, as it will deepen the country’s engagement in regional frameworks to end violence against children, reinforcing its national efforts and aligning them with broader Southeast Asian commitments. This collaborative approach marks a promising advance toward a safer, more protective environment for all children in Timor-Leste.
Government and Civil Society Collaboration
Timor-Leste’s government and civil society are working closely to strengthen child protection systems and combat violence against children, both offline and online. Central to this collaboration is the Instituto Nacional de Defesa dos Direitos da Criança (INDDICA), which leads national efforts to defend children’s rights. Together with UNICEF Timor-Leste, INDDICA has been instrumental in organizing key initiatives such as the recent national consultation held at Timor Plaza in Dili. This event brought together government representatives, civil society actors, and development partners to review and align Timor-Leste’s strategies with the ASEAN Regional Plans of Action aimed at eliminating violence against children and protecting them from online exploitation.
UNICEF’s Representative, Patrizia DiGiovanni, highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasizing UNICEF’s technical and financial support to bolster the national child protection framework. The collaboration focuses on addressing emerging risks in the digital space, ensuring children’s rights are respected in all environments. INDDICA’s President, Dinorah Granadeiro, stressed the government’s commitment to tackling both physical and online abuse, despite relatively low reported cases of online violence. She noted ongoing challenges such as child abandonment, physical and sexual violence, and child labor, underscoring the need for a multi-sectoral approach involving legal enforcement, positive parenting promotion, safe environments, and comprehensive support services.
This joint effort also includes plans for dedicated consultations with children and youth to incorporate their perspectives, recognizing their critical role in shaping effective policies. As Timor-Leste prepares to become a full ASEAN member, this strengthened cooperation between government bodies, UNICEF, and civil society is pivotal in advancing child protection and ensuring a safer future for all Timorese children.
Challenges Faced by Timorese Children
Children in Timor-Leste continue to face significant challenges related to violence and exploitation, despite ongoing efforts to improve their protection. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse remain prevalent issues, often occurring within families and communities. According to recent data, cases of physical and sexual violence against children and women have been increasing, highlighting the urgent need for stronger interventions.
Child labor is another pressing concern. Many children, especially in urban areas like Dili, are found working in public spaces, selling goods to support their families. For example, fifty children were reported working in places such as Timor Plaza and Largo de Lecidere, with some being returned to their families in remote areas to continue their education. This situation exposes children to exploitation and deprives them of their right to education and a safe childhood.
Poverty exacerbates these vulnerabilities, limiting access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and schooling. Nearly half of Timorese children suffer from stunting or chronic malnutrition, which affects their physical and cognitive development, making it harder for them to succeed in school and life. The lack of resources and support systems often leaves children exposed to neglect and abuse.
Societal attitudes also play a role in perpetuating violence. Many adults still view physical punishment as a normal disciplinary method, and there is often reluctance within communities to report abuse due to fear or stigma. This silence allows violence to continue unchecked, leaving children isolated and traumatized.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving legal enforcement, community education, and social support to change harmful norms and protect children’s rights effectively.
Voices of Timorese Children and Youth
Voices of Timorese Children and Youth: Insights from Young Advocates on Violence, Participation, and Education
In Timor-Leste, children and youth are increasingly raising their voices against violence and advocating for their rights. Young advocates emphasize that violence against children—whether physical, emotional, or online—remains a serious issue in their communities. Despite laws and policies designed to protect them, many children still experience abuse at home, school, and in public spaces. They highlight that violence is often normalized as a form of discipline, which perpetuates harm and trauma.
These young voices stress the importance of involving children directly in policy-making processes. They believe that children’s participation is crucial to designing effective protection measures that truly reflect their needs and realities. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, children can help shape laws and programs that prevent violence and promote safe environments.
Education is another key area young advocates focus on. They call for widespread awareness campaigns to teach parents and caregivers about positive discipline methods that do not rely on violence. Furthermore, they urge for comprehensive education on child rights, so children themselves can recognize abuse and know where to seek help. Empowering children with knowledge and support networks is seen as vital to breaking cycles of violence.
Ultimately, Timorese children and youth want to be active partners in building a society where every child is safe, respected, and able to reach their full potential. Their insights underscore that ending violence against children requires not only strong laws but also genuine engagement with young people and education that fosters respect and protection for all children.
Future Directions and Regional Integration
As Timor-Leste prepares to become a full member of ASEAN in October 2025, the nation is strategically positioning itself to enhance child protection through regional integration and robust national planning. Central to this effort is the development and implementation of the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children, a comprehensive framework informed by recent national consultations and aligned with ASEAN’s Regional Plans of Action on eliminating violence against children and protecting them from online exploitation.
This National Action Plan represents a critical milestone, reflecting Timor-Leste’s commitment to addressing both traditional and emerging forms of violence, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and digital threats. The plan is designed to strengthen the country’s child protection system by fostering multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners such as UNICEF. This cooperative approach ensures that interventions are holistic, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.
Timor-Leste’s upcoming ASEAN membership is expected to amplify these efforts by facilitating greater regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and resource mobilization. Being part of ASEAN will enable Timor-Leste to contribute to and benefit from collective strategies aimed at safeguarding children across Southeast Asia, particularly in combating online abuse and exploitation.
Continued multi-sectoral cooperation remains vital. The government, through institutions like INDDICA, alongside UNICEF and civil society, is committed to maintaining momentum by engaging communities, enhancing legal frameworks, and promoting positive parenting and digital literacy. These efforts aim to create safe environments where children can thrive free from violence.
In summary, Timor-Leste’s future direction in child protection is anchored in a strategic blend of national action and regional integration, underscoring its resolve to build a safer, more inclusive society for its youngest citizens.