Paulina Quintao – The Executive Director of the Young Women's Movement Organization (MOFFE), Yasinta Lujina urged the National Parliament to get back on the agenda the draft law on child protection, which has not been discussed nor approved during the previous legislatures, so that children are protected in Timor-Leste.
She said so far child protection services are based on international conventions on children's rights.
"Our government has created a commission for children's rights, but we are facing major challenges with their work on child protection as we do not have a child protection law. Currently, we are basing ourselves on international conventions," she said in her office, in Kaikoli, Dili.
She also said the number of violation against children has increased, including instances of babies being abandoned across the country, as well as other violations against children.
"A mother who is guilty should be responsible for her actions, as decided in the courts, but do not take away her rights as a woman and as a mother, as well as the child's right to breastfeed," she said.
The former President of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos Horta said cases of abandonment of babies also happen in advanced countries, but it is important for the government to create a mechanism that protects children, and especially in Timor-Leste.
"I think the government through the Ministry of Social and Solidarity should urgently create a place, so those who are having a hard time accepting their children can relinquish their babies secretly," he said.
He added the place needs to be staffed with health professionals and work with the Church to protect the children.