Dili, June 2, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) annually commemorates International Children’s Day on June 1. This year’s general theme is “Family as the primary agent to guarantee children’s rights,” with the specific theme “Investing in families ensures children grow up in a safe and inclusive environment.” This information was published through a press release on JSMP’s official page this past Sunday.
JSMP Executive Director, Ana Paula Marçal, stated that based on JSMP’s regular observation of all first-instance judicial courts from January to December 2024, JSMP managed to monitor 58 cases involving children as victims or complainants. These cases included sexual abuse of minors, sexual acts with adolescents, rape, physical violence, and abuse of parental power, as well as other crimes.
She clarified that this number does not represent the total number of cases tried in first-instance courts, and JSMP believes there are many more unmonitored or unreported cases that do not reach the formal justice system.
“JSMP urges all relevant institutions to take action in preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against children in the future. The cases that have occurred show that although we already have good laws, their implementation remains weak. In addition, it is necessary to promote a safe and free environment for children to fully enjoy their rights starting within the family,” said Ana Paula Marçal, JSMP Executive Director.
She added that crimes involving children as victims can have serious negative impacts on their lives, particularly on their psychological development and physical health. Acts of violence committed against children directly violate their rights to be free from all forms of abuse, and these violations can deeply affect their physical and psychological development.
“The State of Timor-Leste must fulfill its obligations under the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL), the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (which the State has ratified), and specific national laws such as the Law on Child and Youth Protection in Danger and the Law Against Domestic Violence,” continued the JSMP Executive Director.
She emphasized that these legal frameworks clearly define the responsibilities of families, society, and the State in ensuring special protection for children and providing mechanisms to prevent all forms of mistreatment, discrimination, violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation.
She further explained that International Children’s Day is important because it is a recognition of all children and aims to ensure and promote respect for their rights. It is also a call for collective efforts to prevent violence, discrimination, and sexual abuse against children, especially in countries like Timor-Leste, where recent trends have shown serious threats to child safety.
In relation to this important celebration, JSMP extends its congratulations to children all over the world, especially those in Timor-Leste.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano