Human Trafficking in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]
Street Children in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]
 

Prevalence, Abuse & Exploitation of Street Children

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste [ Country-by-Country Reports ]

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (East Timor or Timor-Leste ) [map] is located in the Lesser Sundas, Malay Archipelago, off the SE Asia mainland. The country occupies the eastern half of Timor island, the exclave of Ambeno (or Oecussi) on the NW coast of Timor, and offshore islands. Dili, on the north coast, is its capital and largest city, as well as its main port. The country faces great challenges in continuing the rebuilding of infrastructure, strengthening the infant civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the workforce. One promising long-term project is the planned development of oil and gas resources in nearby waters, which have begun to supplement government revenues ahead of schedule.

CAUTION:  The following links and accompanying text have been culled from the web to illuminate the situation in East Timor. Some of these links may lead to websites that present allegations that are unsubstantiated or even false.  No attempt has been made to validate their authenticity or to verify their content.

Quick Search for Missing Children - Select Gender, Country (East Timor), and Years Missing

UNICEF - The Big Picture

Bur of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor - Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005

CHILDREN - According to a UN study, approximately 25 percent of primary education age children nationwide were not enrolled in school; the figures for rural areas were substantially worse than those for urban areas. Only 30 percent of children in lower secondary education (ages 13 to 15) were enrolled, with an even greater difference between urban and rural areas. At least 10 percent of children did not begin school. These statistics were fairly consistent for both male and female students.

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

BACKGROUND - HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES - Access to education for children is also a growing problem, particularly when coupled with an increase in the number of street children and orphans. Despite these concerns, literacy rates remain high. There is not yet a juvenile court or separate prisons for juvenile offenders. Adequate access to health care is also a concern.

Simon and Garfunkel guitar raises funds for street children

A guitar signed by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel raised more than 10-thousand US dollars for East Timor's street children when its owner, Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, auctioned it on the Internet. The Nobel laureate sold the Squier Bullet electric guitar on e-Bay, and gave the proceeds to the Street Children's Association of Dili.

Tools For Change: Children At Risk

Beginning this week, 29 children aged between 13 and 18 commenced full time electronic repairs training at the World Vision Youth Center in Dili. The program offers a unique opportunity for children who have been released from prison or who are frequently in conflict with the law. Street children and children who have been victims of family violence and abuse have also been accepted into the program. Each child will study the course full time for six months, and upon graduating will receive a small electronics toolkit, a certificate, and hopefully a brighter future.

Speeches - Address To The Security Council Meeting On Children In Armed Conflict

There are still many children with no opportunity to get education. Some of them spend their time on the street to sell newspapers, CDs and other things to get money. Some children just put out their hands to ask for money. The money that they get might be used to pay for their school or they give it to their parents, but some of them are forced to give the money to those people that threaten them on the streets.

Children And Youth - Briefing Paper To Donors Meeting

STREET-CHILDREN - Some work has begun with these children by church groups and NGOs, mostly volunteers. However, there is a need for substantive projects to help these children back to school and into their communities. Some groups have been working towards a center in Dili to develop training, school opportunities and activities for these children, but have been delayed by lack of resources.

Vulnerable East Timor Must Take Its First Steps Alone

Urgent measures are needed in HIV/AIDS prevention. Extreme poverty, the large number of street children and prostitution could lead to an unprecedented explosion of the epidemic. The lack of educational materials and a shortage of qualified teachers, the absence of a defined curriculum and the difficulties associated with re-introducing the Portuguese language are challenges that will take years to overcome.

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Human Trafficking in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]
Street Children in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Timor-Leste] [other countries]