Dili, September 2, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Plan International in Timor-Leste organized a multi-sectorial collaboration dialogue between the government and civil society organizations to discuss child rights and protection in Timor-Leste and the implementation at the grassroots level. The dialogue was held last Friday at Tower Café Hall, Fatuhada.
The Program Director Manager for Plan’s Program, Eta Mota, said the objective of the dialogue was both sectorial and multi-sectorial collaboration to work together in achieving the desired goals for the future.
“We try to work together because if Civil Society works alone, and the Government works alone, we will not achieve our objectives. Through this dialogue we seek to find ways to collaborate. The main objective of this project is that we want children to understand their rights and be able to claim them, but at the same time, we also want Civil Society and the Government to work together to strengthen coordination so that all children can be protected,” said Program Director Manager, Eta Mota.
She further explained that this activity is supported by European Union funding for a three-year project. Plan is not working alone but together with NGOs to implement the project in four municipalities.
“We are not implementing this program alone, but with partners such as Mane iha Vizaun Foun, Parseiru Lokal, and ONG ba Futuru. These three organizations work together under Plan International’s leadership. We also provide opportunities for Civil Society Organizations in the third-party sector, where with small funds they can implement activities within a year. Currently, the program is being implemented in four municipalities: Dili, Manufahi, Ermera, and Baucau. Plan oversees implementation in Dili and Manufahi, Parseiru ba Futuru in Ermera, and Mane ho Vizaun Foun in Baucau,” added Eta Mota.
At the event, the Program Manager of the European Union Embassy, Seth Van Doorn, expressed appreciation to all partners, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to continue supporting the fight for freedom and ensuring the future of girls and boys in Timor-Leste.
“I see how, within five years from now, we continue the struggle for freedom, the struggle for hope. I believe everything that has been done is to secure the future of this nation, and the future of this nation lies in the children of Timor-Leste,” said EU Embassy Program Manager, Seth Van Doorn.
The EU Ambassador also underlined that this is an important topic, reminding that half of Timor-Leste’s youth live in multi-dimensional poverty. Therefore, urgent joint efforts are needed to create an environment where every child can grow well, free from all forms of violence.
The dialogue also featured strong participation from partners such as INDICA, Fokuper, S.E.I, Head of the Adolescence Department for the Future, Timor-Leste Youth Association for Justice, representatives from the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), Ahisaun Foundation, Legal Association for Women and Children, and the Head of the Adolescent Health Department.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano