VPM Assanami calls for stronger partnership between Government and civil society to protect children in Timor-Leste
DÍLI, 11 August 2026 (TATOLI) – The Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano Assanami Sabino, has called for stronger cooperation between the Government, civil society and international organisations to ensure more effective protection of the rights of children and young people in Timor-Leste.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks during his participation in the Multisectoral Dialogue on the Rights of Children and Young People, held in Dili, which brought together various stakeholders to discuss the main challenges related to child protection in the country.
During his intervention, Mariano Assanami Sabino stressed that ensuring every child grows up in a safe, supportive and protective environment is a shared responsibility between the State, civil society and communities.
The Deputy Prime Minister warned that many children continue to face situations of vulnerability, including threats, violence, exploitation and neglect, and called for a coordinated response involving different sectors of society.
“We should not see ourselves as separate entities, but as allies in safeguarding the future of our children,” said Mariano Assanami Sabino.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s role in establishing a legal and policy framework focused on children’s wellbeing and protection. However, he stressed that laws and policies alone are not enough, and must be supported by effective implementation and ongoing cooperation with civil society and international agencies.
Mariano Assanami Sabino also recognised the important role played by non-governmental organisations and grassroots movements, which are often the first to respond to situations of vulnerability affecting children and help address gaps in government initiatives on the ground.
More training, support for families and youth participation
Among the priorities highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister were strengthening the training of professionals working in child protection, supporting families and increasing awareness within communities.
In this regard, he advocated joint workshops, community-based programmes and activities, as well as the sharing of resources and expertise among different organisations, with the aim of strengthening their capacity to respond to and protect children.
Another key issue highlighted was the need to directly involve children and young people in decisions and discussions concerning their rights.
According to Mariano Assanami Sabino, listening to the voices of children and young people is essential for shaping policies that affect their lives, while also strengthening their ability to advocate for their own rights.
“Building a better world for all children”
At the end of his intervention, the Deputy Prime Minister called for the establishment of more effective communication channels, stronger mutual support and continuous assessment of child protection strategies.
Mariano Assanami Sabino said that joint action could have a significant impact on the protection of children’s rights in Timor-Leste.
“Together, we must build a system that ensures all children in Timor-Leste are protected from harm, that their potential is valued, and that they have opportunities to develop to their full potential,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by thanking the organisations and institutions present for their commitment, expressing his willingness to continue working in partnership on child protection and calling for stronger cooperation to “build a better world for all children in Timor-Leste”.
TATOLI
