The project aims to promote and advance children's rights and equality in Timor-Leste focusing on the municipalities Dili, Baucau, Ermera, and Manufahi. With EUR 970,000 in EU funding, this three-year project will kick off in February 2025 and be implemented by Plan International Timor-Leste in partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Ba Futuru and Mane Ho Vizaun Foun. Plan International Sweden will be responsible for compliance and technical support.

The project will work on dismantling discriminatory practices, preventing violence, promoting gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI), and ensuring equitable access to services. It addresses gaps in child protection and the implementation of legislation related to child education and protection. The project focuses on empowering children and young people, on training caregivers and duty bearers, and on raising the awareness of communities at large. It will also work on enhancing Timorese civil society's ability to protect and empower vulnerable children, and to defend child rights effectively.

“We are, right now, in the middle of the 2024 edition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and it is worth remembering that unfortunately, in Timor-Leste, the reality for many children is that they continue to face physical and emotional abuse, at home or in their communities. This project is driven by a simple but profound vision: that every child deserves to grow up free from violence and empowered to claim its rights”, said HE Mr. Marc Fiedrich, EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

“Plan International is very grateful for the support from the EU and our joint cooperation on this project. Together with our partners Ba Future and Mane Ho Visaun Foun we will work hard to advance the rights of children and youth in Timor-Leste”, said Interim Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, Mrs. Fátima Estrela Soares.