Sexual assault and violence against children considered serious matters, says President :Horta

Timorese women and children experience high levels of violence

Radio Timor-Leste, December 13, 2010 language source: Tetun - President Jose Ramos Horta said sexual assault and violence against children were considered to be serious issues in Timor-Leste.

The president made the comments during a speech marking the commemoration day of human rights at the Parliamentary Chamber in Dili last Friday (10/12).

Horta affirmed that the degree of political violence in the country is now decreasing, while violence against children is staying high.

Horta explained that such a situation appeared because there are organsied groups involving young girls in prostitution and domestic violence in a family could not be controlled well.

He called on all entities and the country's state bodies to seek a solution to this issue, as it has impacted on the morality of the state.