DILI, 20 november 2023 (TATOLI) – Institute for the Defense of Children’s Rights (INDICA) expresses its concern about the current situation of many children in the country, as many children do not have the opportunity to have access to adequate health care, a good education, etc.
In order to leave no child behind, INDICA called for greater attention to the protection of children’s rights in Timor-Leste, saying many children in the country are still at risk.
In Timor-Leste, issues such as poverty, hunger, limitation on access to education, and good health care, and forced labor are some of the biggest challenges affecting those who are most vulnerable.
The president of INDICA, Dinorah Granadeiro, said that the celebration of World Children’s Day is to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the situation of many Timorese children who are at risk.
She said that INDICA will continue to fight for children’s rights in the country: “World Children’s Day is a day that reminds us all that we must pay close attention to children who are at risk to ensure that all children have the same opportunities in this country.”
Granadeiro stressed that a joint effort by all parties is needed to collectively combat infant and child mortality in the country: “It’s our responsibility to fight malnutrition in children.”
INDICA called on the Government to prioritize child health in its policy to leave no child behind.
The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, also called for serious investment in children: “We must invest more in maternal and child health.”
“Because 60% of Timorese children do not have access to preschool, therefore, we need to make sure that every child must enter preschool before going to primary school,” said Horta.
The 2023 World Children’s Day theme is “For every child, every right.” Every child needs unconditional support, protection from harm and to have their basic needs met to grow into an emotionally healthy adult.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
