The Inspector For Work of the Secretariat of State for Policy, Professional Training and Employment (SEPFOPE), Rofino Lopes, said there are more than 100 vulnerable children working along the streets of the capital in Dili trying to make ends meet.

Inspector Lopes, said these figures are based on research conducted by his team from 2005-2009 but the latest statistics are not known.

"There are approximately 100 children who are doing non-formal labour such as selling eggs, oranges, phone credit, washing cars and other work," said Inspector Lopes, in Dili.

He added even though his unit is not able to identify child labour across all sectors of society, most children are involved in the non formal sector selling basic goods on the side of roads, but not in construction.

He said also the children do not attend school because either the parents cannot afford it or are orphans of at least one parent.

Meanwhile the Minister of Social Solidarity (MSS), Isabel Guterres, said the government will continue to work to help street children through its Mother's Support Program.

Minister Guterres said she would also work hard to work together with parents and local authority to understand the causes leading children to the streets and trace them so they can get support from the government.

"The government is helping with funds for families through its Mother Support program, especially vulnerable families to allow them to send their children to school," said Minister Guterres.