27 November 2013

Most juveniles imprisoned in East Timor for crimes of sexual violence, sexual abuse and murder

ETLJB 27 November 2013 - According to a report in The Dili Weekly, most of the children who are imprisoned in East Timor have been convicted for crimes of sexual violence, sexual abuse and murder. It also notes the findings of the National Commission for the Rights of the Child in East Timor that the number of children in Becora prison has increased from 20 in 2012 to 25 this year.

The report cites the President of the National Commission for the Rights of the Child (NCRC), Commissioner Adalgiza Ximenes, as saying that "the number of the children involved in criminal activities is on the increase and this is because families are failing to adequately educate their children."

She explained the role of the NCRC is to provide advocacy to society and to parents about the rights of children but an honest education comes foremost from the family.

“When we see children involved in such cases [crimes] we ask them what have their parents done given they only spend a couple of hours at schools and the rest of their time with them. So education must be given first by the family,” said Commissioner Ximenes.

The Commissioner acknowledges the government has also not done enough to ensure children get a good education at school but the family is also responsible for their education so they become good citizens. Source: The Dili Weekly 26/11/2013 Edited by Warren L. Wright

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