World Vision launches campaign to end violence against children in Timor-Leste

 

Dili, 3 December 2018 – World Vision has officially launched its campaign, “It takes a world to end violence against children in Timor-Leste now!” The launch was held at the Dili Convention Centre on 26 November as part of the national event to mark Universal Children’s Day, organised by the National Commission for the Rights of Children and UNICEF.

 

The purpose of World Vision’s campaign is to increase parents’ knowledge and understanding of their obligation to protect children from physical and sexual violence at home; and to support the government to improve the implementation of laws and policies to prevent violence against children in the home. 

 

The issue of physical and sexual violence against children in the home is widespread in Timor-Leste, with seven out of ten children affected. Acts of sexual, physical and emotional violence threaten children’s survival, health, education and future. Violence robs children of their rights, dignity and God-given potential.

 

World Vision’s Advocacy and External Engagement Manager, Jose da Costa, who addressed the audience at the event, said, "Today is a special day for World Vision because we launched our campaign to end violence against children in Timor-Leste. World Vision will work together with the government and development partners to increase the awareness of parents to end violence at home.”

 

At the campaign launch, children created drawings to express why ending violence against children at home is important. 

 

Other children wrote down their messages. Silvia’s message was, “I do not want violence”, while Afin said, “Violence is not good.” Ajoi, said, “Do not beat us again”. 

 

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Dulce de Jesus Soares shared her commitment to end violence against children. “I urge teachers to respect and protect children from violence,” she wrote. 

Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus wrote this commitment, “Children have the right to live in peace and love. Let’s stop violence against children (boys and girls)!!!” 

 

Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus shared a message to end violence against children in Timor-Leste. Photo: Suzy Sainovski/World Vision

 

Other event participants included the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Secretary of State for Social Communications, UN development agencies, and other development partners. The 'It takes a world to end violence against children in Timor-Leste now!' campaign launch was supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

 

 

For media enquiries contact:

Jose da Costa, Advocacy and External Engagement Manager 
Mobile: +670 7736-4453
Email: jose_dacosta@wvi.org

Jaime dos Reis, Senior Communications and Advocacy Coordinator
Mobile: +670 7738-0585
Email: jaime_dosreis@wvi.org