The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations in November 1989, spells out the basic human rights to which children everywhere are entitled. It has since been ratified by all governments .
Timor-Leste ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in April 2003.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa commenting on the situation of the children in Timor-Leste said :
“A lot have been done in Timor-Leste to help the situation of children. However, a lot more still need be done. The statistics on child mortality rates have decreased immensely in later years , but we still far behind the point where we can say that health care for children is in such way that we can now focus on reduce child labor . It is heart braking to see children of 8 , 9 . 10...years old walking on the streets carrying have loads on there young shoulders trying to sell bananas, mangos and other commodities to help support their family income. We need to join our efforts to improve the lives of our children so they can grow within the formal education system and become the future of this country”.
“ We need to work hard to build our country and give dignity to our children’s life! They must be the focus of our priority as they are the future of this country. The Convention on the Rights of the Child stands as a universal standard and is the guideline to help us the correct track in improving our world. Let’s work together and give a better life to Timor-Leste’s children”.END
