Government Strengthens Cooperation to Combat Online Exploitation of Children
Today, August 6th, 2026, at the Government Palace in Dili, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met with Detective Superintendent Darren Boyd-Skinner, a senior officer with the Australian Police Development Program for Timor-Leste (TLPDP) and a representative of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), to discuss strengthening cooperation to combat online child exploitation in Timor-Leste. 
During the meeting, participants discussed the challenges of protecting children in the digital environment and the need to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to prevent, investigate, and respond effectively to this type of crime. The meeting also emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach among the entities responsible for security, justice, social protection, and victim support.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen national capabilities, including digital investigation, the management of electronic evidence, and the sharing of international experiences to combat the online exploitation of children.
Minister Agio Pereira reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening inter-institutional and international cooperation, promoting more effective mechanisms to protect children, and ensuring an adequate response to the challenges posed by cybercrime.
The Australian Federal Police reiterated its commitment to continuing to support Timor-Leste through specialised training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing, thereby contributing to the development of national capabilities in this area.
