ILO 100

Timor-Leste moves forward to reach a future without child labour

The Government of Timor-Leste has launched the first child labour survey and the series of labour force survey, supported by the ILO, to eradicate child labour in all its forms and promote decent work for all.

News | Dili, Timor-Leste | 10 October 2019
The official launch of the Child Labour Survey and the Labour Force Survey 2016 of Timor-Leste
The sound of traditional drum echoed in the Xanana Centre room at the Ministry of Finance of Timor-Leste when representatives of the Ministry of Finance, General Directorate of Statistics, Secretary State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), the ILO and the UN Resident Coordinator beat the drum, marking the official launch of the Timor-Leste National Child Labour Survey 2016 Analytical Report and the Mini Labour Force Survey 2016 on 7 October.

I am pleased with the launch of these two important reports. Data generated from these surveys are significant for all relevant stakeholders to understand and recognize the real conditions of the country when developing relevant policies."

Elias dos Santos Ferreira, Director General of the General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) Timor-Leste
The official ceremony continued with the ribbon cutting ceremony over the covers of these two reports, followed by a group photo with each of the representative held up the two publications. A lively applause from 125 participants attending the launch ceremony filled in the room with the excitement over this important launch.

Elias dos Santos Ferreira, Director General of the General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) Timor-Leste, emphasized the importance of data gathered for better policy making and programme development in the country. “I am pleased with the launch of these two important reports. Data generated from these surveys are significant for all relevant stakeholders to understand and recognize the real conditions of the country when developing relevant policies,” he stated.

The reports allow us to gain a much deeper understanding about the employment reality in the country and the reasons why children work."

Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO for Indonesia and Timor-Leste
Similar statement was also given by Sara Lobo Brites, Vice Minister and Acting of Minister of Finance. “The data found in the survey is very important in providing necessary information and materials in planning and policy formulation. The child labour survey is a significant instrument in the implementation of more measurable governmental programmes; while the comparative time series data calls for stronger efforts and interventions from the government,” she exclaimed.

The official launch is marked with drum beating by the high-level officials of the Government of Timor-Leste and the ILO
Congratulated the concrete efforts taken by the Government of Timor-Leste, Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO for Indonesia and Timor-Leste emphasized the linkage of the reports to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under the Goal 8.7. The Goal has called for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking as well as secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

“The reports allow us to gain a much deeper understanding about the employment reality in the country. The child labour data specifically has provided a richer understanding regarding the reasons why children work, serious negative repercussions of child labour for children’s health and safety as well as for their ability to attend and benefit from school,” she said.

Covering 1,755 households in all 13 municipalities, some of the key findings of child labour survey include:

  • Around 67,688 children (aged 5-17 years old) or equal with 16.1 percent are economically active both in rural and urban areas.
  • The main reason for children to be economically active is to supplement their family incomes and the majority of them work for their families, followed by working in the plantation/farm/garden.
  • Out of 16.1 percent of children that are economically active, 12.5 percent are in child labour and the majority of them (55.5%) are involved in hazardous work.
  • From a total population of children, 83.8 percent are attending school; however, children in child labour are less likely to attend school.
  • Around 43,000 children (aged 5-17 years old) are reported never attended school; among these children 6,455 are involved in an economic activity, 4,901 are in child labour, and 2,888 in hazardous work.

The key findings of the Mini Labour Force Survey included:

  • The labour force participation rate has increased throughout the years, from 24.0 percent in 2010, 30.6 percent in 2013 and 46.9 percent in 2016.
  • The employment-to-population has also steadily increased from 22.1 percent in 2010 to 27.3 percent in 2013 and to 42.0 percent in 2016.
  • The unemployment rate increased from 7.8 percent in 2010 to 11.0 percent in 2013 and slightly decreased to 10.4 percent in 2016.
  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing employment remain as highest branch of economic activity.
The Child Labour Survey 2016 conducted by the General Directorate of Statistics, Ministry of Finance Timor-Leste and the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment with technical support from the ILO. The support of the ILO is provided under cooperative agreements on Global Action Programme on Child Labour Issue (GAP 11) and Measurement Awareness-rising and Policy Engagement Project to Accelerate Action against Child Labour and Forced Labour (MAP 16), funded by the United States Department of Labour.