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.

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
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

“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.