Dili, June 11, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Institute for the Defense of Children’s Rights (INDDICA) in collaboration with UNICEF in Timor-Leste held a national consultation event on the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan under the theme “Eliminating Violence Against Children and Developing a Regional Action Plan Chapter on Violence Against Children and Women.” The national consultation event took place at the Maubara Room, Timor Plaza, Dili, on this Tuesday.
In an interview, INDDICA President Dinorah Granadeiro stated that the event was held to conduct consultations with government entities and civil society concerning the preparation of a national action plan to eliminate violence against children.
“We are currently in the process of becoming a member of ASEAN, and we have received consideration from ASEAN ISWX to contribute our thoughts through mechanisms that we have already established in Timor-Leste to address violence against children,” said INDDICA President Dinorah Granadeiro.
She also highlighted that this opportunity aimed to gather information and begin drafting a national plan to eliminate violence against children, because in Timor-Leste there is a commitment which will present as Timor’s state convey in the High-Level Meeting in GOGOTA last year.
“These commitments mainly focus on how to create mechanisms to eliminate violence against children in Timor-Leste. Among these commitments is also the effort to combat online violence against children. In my speech, I emphasized that although there are not many cases yet, there have been several incidents that required action, especially involving online threats to our younger siblings,” added President Granadeiro.
Violence against children in Timor-Leste remains high. Data from the police, particularly the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU), shows that cases of violence include physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, with physical and sexual violence being the most prevalent.
“INDDICA does not handle these cases directly but often receives complaints. Over the past year up to now, we have received around 10 cases involving violence against children. However, most complaints are handled by the VPU. When families of victims come forward, we refer these cases immediately to the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), especially to the Child Function Officer, in accordance with the Law on Child and Youth Protection, which assigns MSSI as the responsible body,” explained the President of INDDICA.
She reaffirmed that while INDDICA receives many reports related to child rights violations, the majority of these are resolved through mediation processes. INDDICA does not directly handle such cases but refers them to the relevant institutions for proper follow-up.
UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, Patrizia DiGiovanni, expressed her honor in participating in the national consultation, which brought together key actors from government, civil society, and development partners to reflect on how to strengthen collective efforts to protect children both offline and online.
“On behalf of UNICEF Timor-Leste, I would like to congratulate the Government of Timor-Leste, especially INDDICA and the ASEAN ACWC Focal Point, for organizing and leading this important consultation. I also commend the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) and the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MTC) for their leadership and active involvement in convening this consultation, which opens the path for future policy evaluation and development,” said UNICEF Representative Patrizia DiGiovanni.
She continued, explaining that the consultation is a key step in Timor-Leste’s contribution to the Final Revision of ASEAN’s 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). This comes at a historic moment as Timor-Leste prepares for full ASEAN membership in October, marking a significant step in strengthening regional collaboration on child protection.
“As a future ASEAN member, this consultation provides a vital baseline on the current situation and progress in eliminating violence against children and protecting them online. This can inform both national and regional planning efforts,” she added.
UNICEF is proud to support this process both technically and financially. Alongside the government and other partners, they work in Timor-Leste to strengthen the national child protection system. They also work closely with partners to address emerging risks, including those in digital spaces, and ensure that children’s rights are protected in all environments.
“We are particularly encouraged by the upcoming dedicated consultation with children and youth, which INDDICA will organize, as part of the agenda. UNICEF is pleased to support this important process because we know that children and youth are the most engaged online,” stated the UNICEF representative.
As a Pathfinder Country in the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children, Timor-Leste has shown strong commitment to ending all forms of violence. The development of the National Action Plan to End Violence against Children, informed by today’s discussions and upcoming consultations with youth, will be a major milestone moving forward.
Let us use this opportunity to listen, to learn, and to act together. The ideas and recommendations shared today will not only shape national strategies but also contribute to regional planning and strategic direction. UNICEF remains committed to walking this journey with all stakeholders toward a future where every child in Timor-Leste is safe, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.
To clarify further, this seminar was organized by INDDICA with participation from international organizations, as well as a broad range of national organizations working on child issues, including civil society and journalists.
Reporting: Domingas
Photo: Domingas