Díli, 6 February 2025 –The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan,’ participated in the startup workshop titled “Free to Be Yourself: Empowering the Most Vulnerable Children to Claim Their Rights”, organized by PLAN International at Hotel Timor.
In his speech, the Ombudsman praised PLAN International’s initiatives, highlighting the critical situation of children in Timor-Leste, where 40% of the population lives below the poverty line and 47% of children suffer from malnutrition. He emphasized that these alarming statistics reflect the government’s shortcomings in fulfilling its commitments to protect children’s rights, as promised during election campaigns.
“We urge the government to collaborate with organizations like PLAN International and civil society to develop a well-structured approach. Families facing economic hardship require multidimensional solutions to break the barriers that prevent children from accessing their rights,” said the Ombudsman at the Conference Hall of Hotel Timor.
Stressing the urgent need for action, he called for tangible improvements over the next few years, stating, “If the malnutrition rate of 47% is not significantly reduced within two to three years, our future as a nation will be at risk.”
The Ombudsman also urged society to recognize and support the efforts of PLAN International and its partners. He pointed out that many children still lack access to quality education due to their vulnerable conditions, and emphasized the collective responsibility of all citizens in addressing this issue. “We must all contribute, even in small ways, to improving the future of our country. The conditions of public schools remain dire, limiting opportunities for many children. This must change.”
He further noted that the workshop was not just a platform for discussion but also an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among key institutions, including the European Union, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.
Also attending the event were the Minister of Social Solidarity, Veronica das Dores, the President of INDICCA, Dinorah Granadeiro and various other stakeholders committed to advancing children’s rights in Timor-Leste.
This post is also available in: Tetun