“Children’s Voice and Action Group" launched in Manufahi
Maria Domingas Alves, Minister for Social Solidarity, took the opportunity of being in the Manufahi district, on October 7, to launch the "Children’s Voice and Action Group", in the districts of Manufahi and Ainaro, with the aim of giving children the right to be protected against the violation of their rights and to defend their identity against illicit acts.
"The State of Timor-Leste recognizes Children's Rights through the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thus, through the framework established by the Ministry of Justice, attended by the National Commissioner of the Rights of the Child, and also through the Department of Child Protection of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Officers for the Protection of Children (OPC) are in all districts", said the Minister.
The Minister further noted that "an organization or a movement, is not limited to a symbol, mission or vision, but by practical manifestation. This means that children should have a proper education and with quality, to ensure a good carrier in the future, since they will be the future ministers, doctors, teachers, and others, depending on the choice of each of them".
Amândio da Cruz Sarmento, one of officials from the "Save the Childrens”, said that the "Children’s Voice and Action” Group in the Manufahi and Ainaro districts, was initiated by the children of the area, particularly those living in remote areas, without access to information, victims of sexual abuse and violence. These were the situations and challenges that led to the fact that children want to be organized as a group to defend and protect their rights".
