DILI, 20 november 2024 (TATOLI)— The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Education, celebrated World Children’s Day with the theme ‘Listen to the Future,’ aiming to develop programs in response to the needs of children in Timor-Leste.
This statement was made by the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, after accompanying UNICEF representatives and representatives of Timorese children to convey the concerns of children to the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, at the Government Office on wednesday.
“The government will pay attention to the concerns of Timor-Leste’s children, especially those under the age of 18. The government will listen to their concerns about how to make programs in response to their needs.,” Dulce de Jesus Soares said.
The concerns raised by Timorese children to the Head of Government are that in many places in Timor-Leste, many children are married early and always face domestic violence, suffer from malnutrition, and face emotional violence, and the community considers this a normal case.
In addition, many children do not have access to education because of economic problems; many children work hard at home and do not have time to go to school and study.
“I also ask the community to play an active role in protecting children from various violations that hinder the future of Timor-Leste’s children,” she said.
These concerns were expressed in a letter written by representatives of children from the municipalities of Dili, Ainaro, Ermera, and Aileu.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted World Children’s Day, “We celebrate the youngest members of our human family. But today is also a moment to recognize the enormous challenges children face in our deeply divided, tumultuous, and often violent world”.
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.
November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
