Since its independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has made significant progress in social and economic development. The country achieved lower middle-income status in 2011 and has ambitions to reach upper middle-income status by 2030. As the country continues to experience socio-economic and security-related advances, the situation for women, men, girls and boys in Timor-Leste has also improved. However, major challenges remain in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Full review
The United Nations Population Fund recently publication Many Faiths, Different Contexts - Experiences with Faith Based Organizations in the Asia and Pacific Region includes a piece on UNFPA and the Ministry of Health pragmatic approach to working with the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste to promote reproductive health and rights. In 2010 the MoH and UNFPA approached the Catholic diocese to elicit their support on the national family planning programme, recognising that religious leaders offer guidance on health-related matters which can encourage healthy behaviours among their followers. Although the Catholic Church is typically seen as stringently opposed to modernl methods of contraception, the Church in Timor-Leste has taken a more nuanced approach.
Full review
Now more than ever, we must ensure that the marginalized, the forgotten—the ones often left behind—can exercise their fundamental human right to decide, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, when or how often to have children.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is proud to have enabled millions of women of childbearing age to exercise that right and to have helped to nearly double modern contraceptive use worldwide from 36 per cent in 1970 to 64 per cent in 2016.
This annual report shows how funds entrusted to UNFPA have enabled us to protect and promote the health and rights of millions of women and young people and enable them to realize their full potential.
Full reviewWith 19% of girls married before 18 and 24% already with a child by the time they turn 20, the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sports, UNFPA and Plan International decided to investigate the decision-making pathways and experiences that lead to teenage pregnancy and early marriage in Timor-Leste.
Full review
At 10, she may be denied any say in decisions about her life. At 10, her future is no longer hers. It is determined by others. Impeding a girl’s safe, healthy path through adolescence to a productive and autonomous adulthood is a violation of her rights. But it also takes a toll on her community and nation. Whenever a girl’s potential goes unrealized, we all lose.
Full review
The National Youth Policy (NYP) for Timor-Leste is a guiding document for the Government and development partners alike to support youth development in Timor-Leste.
The National Youth Policy (NYP) was developed taking into consideration national norms an legislations derived from the Constitution of the Republic of Timor-Leste. It also recognizes and considers international norms and conventions that promote, stimulates and act as catalysts to accelerate the development of the youth sector in Timor-Leste.