DILI, 10 June 2025 (TATOLI) – At a pivotal national consultation held on Tuesday at Timor Plaza in Dili, Timor-Leste reaffirmed its dedication to protecting children from all forms of violence and online exploitation, in line with ASEAN strategies.
The event, hosted by the Government of Timor-Leste through the Institute for the Defense of Children’s Rights (INDICA), focused on the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence against Children and Development of the next Regional Plan of Action and the common chapter on VAC and VAW and Regional Plan of Action on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Online Exploitation of Abuse of Children in ASEAN.
Speaking at the consultation, UNICEF Representative to Timor-Leste, Patrizia DiGiovanni, praised the government’s leadership and collaborative efforts in convening the event, particularly acknowledging the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) and the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) for their active engagement.
“This consultation is a key step in Timor-Leste’s contribution to the End-Term Review of the ASEAN Regional Plans of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children (RPA EVAC) and on the Protection of Children from Online Exploitation and Abuse (RPA COEA). It also comes at a historic moment, as Timor-Leste prepares to become a full member of ASEAN this coming October—a milestone that will further strengthen regional collaboration on child protection.
The consultation gathered representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and international development partners to assess the country’s progress in combating child violence, both offline and in digital environments. DiGiovanni emphasized the significance of the discussions, noting that the insights shared would serve as a crucial baseline for shaping both national and regional strategies moving forward.
“UNICEF is proud to support this process, technically and financially,” she said. In partnership with the Government and other partners, our work in Timor-Leste focuses on strengthening the national child protection system. We are also working closely with partners to address emerging risks, including those in the digital space, and to ensure that children’s rights are upheld in every setting.”
DiGiovanni said UNICEF is especially encouraged that a dedicated consultation with children and young people, to be organized by INDDICA, is scheduled to take place separately. “UNICEF is pleased to support this important process especially as we know that they are the ones who are most engaged with online platforms.”
“As a Pathfinding Country under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, Timor-Leste has shown strong commitment to ending violence in all its forms. The development of a National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children, informed by today’s discussions and the upcoming youth consultation, will be a major step forward,” she said.
DiGiovanni encouraged participants to use the consultation as an opportunity to listen, learn, and take collective action. She noted that the insights and recommendations emerging from the event would help shape both national and regional strategies. She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste in building a future where every child is safe, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
