UNICEF Timor-Leste’s Post

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSSI) with support from UNICEF are conducting a 5-day training for 30 justice professionals and social actors across the country on the Law on Protection of Children and Youth in Danger. Thirty more participants will join next week. Adopted in 2023, this landmark law protects children and youth from violence. The training was officially opened by H.E, Dr. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, Minister of Justice, with the presence of H.E Verónica das Dores, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion; H.E Dr. Afonso Carmona, President of Court of Appeal; Dr. Jacinto Babo, Deputy of Prosecutor General; Dr. Cancio Xavier, Public Defender General and Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Country Representative to Timor-Leste. This training is being rolled out across the country, with this phase focusing on justice professionals. The objective is to strengthen the Multi-Agency Approach and Coordination in Implementing the law, especially on court procedures and referrals between justice and social sectors. This is part of UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen the child protection system in the country by ensuring all relevant service providers are fully trained on how to implement the Law on Protection of Children and Youth in Danger.  ©UNICEF Timor-Leste/2025/JTalimeta Patrizia Di Giovanni Suman Khadka, PhD