In a joint statement, more than 60 national and international humanitarian agencies in Timor-Leste express concern and condemnation of recent acts of violence against children in Timor-Leste.

"Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and require levels of care and protection appropriate to their age and stage of development. We are concerned that in recent events, children have not been protected, but have been caught up in aggressive and violent demonstrations, and in some cases, have become victims of violent acts. We are particularly concerned that safe places for children, such as schools, orphanages and family homes have been targeted, and have become places where children experience violence and trauma”, NRC Country Director Alfredo Zamudio says.

The agencies stress that it is the individual and shared responsibility of all political parties, community leaders and local authorities to ensure a safe protective environment for children at all times. They remind all political parties, authorities, parents and community members that children have the right to protection from violence, exploitation and abuse and that adults need to promote the rights of all children, everywhere, all of the time.