DILI, 20 november 2020 (TATOLI) – UNICEF’s Representative in Timor-Leste, Valérie Taton asks the Government of Timor-Leste to accelerate the three legislations related to the right of the children to protecting and promoting child rights in Timor-Leste.
“We would like to ask the Government to ratify the imminent legislation. I can mention three among the legislation such as child code ethics, child protection law, Breast-milk Substitutes code,” Valérie Taton at the commemoration of world children’s day at the Government Palace.
Ms Taton added that these legislations are important and showcase the commitment of the Government toward protecting and promoting child rights.
She said, although the children are not voting and are not following the State decision, but their voice are really important. Thus, all Government and State make investment to the children because that will shape a future worthy of every child.
Ms Taton offers congratulations to the Government of Timor-Leste since the Government has increase the budget for the Health and Education.
“I want to offer my congratulation, I knew that the fund for nutrition is significantly added, which it shows that there is a hope and there is an action to support the lives of children in Timor-Leste,” she said.
She thanked the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, for allowing them to celebrate children’s day in the Palacio do Governo or Government Palace.
“I am extremely grateful to the Government of Timor-Leste led by Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak for allowing us to make the beautiful Palacio do Governo one of the many iconic monuments to be illumiated in blue this World Children’s Day,” She said.
Ms Taton also Thanked the President of Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo for made himself available for the interview with the two Childs, thus “Thank you very much for all these efforts,” Ms Taton said.
In her message to children, Ms Taton UNICEF highlight child rights and raise awareness on COVID-19 prevention and ask the children to continue wearing the masks.
“As the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a child rights crisis around the world, the event came together to encourage leaders, familes and communities to reimagine the type of world we want to create in the aftermatch of the pandemic,”she said.
The President for the Council of Minister, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães said, regardless the issue of children, currently there are great progress access to education, health and other.
Although few are not having access to education and living under malnutrition, but the Government will not stay silent, and the government will continue to work together with UNICEF and other partnerships to drive the positive change that bring real results for all of Timor-Leste’s children.
“Through this joint action, the Government of Timor-Leste and UNICEF are jointly showcasing our commitment to protecting and promoting child rights in the country and We pledge to continue working with UNICEF and other partners to drive positive change that bring real results for all of Timor-Leste’s children.” Mr Magalhães said.
So far The event was attended by His Execellency, the Honorable Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhaes, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; and Valérie Taton, UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste. Also present at the ceremony was Marvi, UNICEF Timor-Leste’s Youth Advocate; a number of government officials, donors and development partners, and children.
Journalist : Natalino Costa
Editor : Francisco Simões
