DILI, 08 February 2025 (TATOLI) – Plan International Timor-Leste (PITL), together with the European Union, on Thursday, launched the “Free to Be Yourself”.
The project “Free to Be Yourself: Empowering the Most Vulnerable Children to Claim Their Rights” was kicked-off with a workshop to bring together child rights advocates, policymakers, and young changemakers to discuss critical problems and strategies for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Funded by the EU, the project is implemented by PLAN International in partnership with Ba Futuru and Mane ho Vizaun Foun.
It aims to empower vulnerable children and youth, enhance legal protections, and reinforce advocacy efforts to guarantee that all children in Timor-Leste can fully exercise their right.
“This project aims to help the most vulnerable children, girls, children with disabilities, LGBTQI+ adolescents, and those living in remote areas to understand and claim their rights. This program will implement in following target municipalities ; such as Baucau, Dili, Manufahi and Ermera,” said in a statement.
The project includes a digital platform for education, advocacy and reporting violations and ensuring children’s voices are heard.
“Together, we are shaping a future where every child is free to be themselves,” said PITL’s Director, Fátima Estrela Soares.
About 42% of the population of Timor-Leste is below 18 years of age. More than half of these children live in ‘multidimensional’ poverty, i.e. poverty in financial terms but also in terms of access to education and to basic infrastructure like electricity, sanitation and water.
Between 70 and 80% of men, women, and children surveyed in Timor-Leste have reported having suffered from physical and emotional abuse in their childhood, inside their communities, in various institutional contexts, or even inside their family.
More than 10% of Timorese children are involved in child labour. There are few mechanisms to protect children in the justice system. These challenges are compounded for children in extra vulnerable categories such as those with a disability, those not living with their biological parent(s), LGBTIQ, etc.
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