CRC/C/TLS/CO/1
page 16
(a)
Continue and strengthen its focus on children’s sports, play and cultural
activities, including through adequate resource allocation and technical cooperation
projects; and
(b)
Maintain and create playgrounds, sports fields, child and youth centres and
other recreation spaces at the school and community level with the participation of young
people as resource persons, and expand access to libraries throughout Timor Leste.
70.
In addition to the integration of indigenous culture in the formal educational
curriculum, the State party is encouraged to consider and implement measures to foster
community-based initiatives which may help to promote cultural awareness and practice.
9. Special protection measures
(arts 22, 38, 39, 49, 37(b) and (d), 30, 32-36)
Street children
71.
The Committee is concerned about the situation of children who work or live in the
streets, mostly due to socio-economic factors as well as abuse and violence in the family, in light
of the risks to which these children are exposed.
72.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Carry out a comprehensive study to assess the scope, nature and root causes of
the presence of street children in the country in order to develop a national policy
for prevention;
(b)
Provide street children with shelters, recovery measures and social
reintegration services, taking into account their views in accordance with article 12,
and with adequate nutrition and necessary health care as well as access to
education;
(c) Develop a policy for family reunification where possible and in the best
interests of the child;
(d) Conduct public awareness campaigns to address the stigma attached to street
children; and
(e) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF or other relevant organizations and
cooperate with NGOs.
Administration of juvenile justice
73.
The Committee notes that the State party has drafted a new Penal Code, which raises the
age for criminal responsibility was raised and provides that special provisions for young