Since the restoration of independence in 2002, UNICEF has been working to promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of all children. They work with the Government of Timor-Leste and business and civil society organisations to ensure the rights of all girls and boys to survival, development, protection and participation. 

UNICEF works to bring basic services and opportunities to all children in Timor-Leste, including in education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, social protection and inclusion. 

Nearly half of Timor-Leste’s population is under the age of 18 years and about 70 percent of its population lives in rural areas. 

Approximately 70 percent of the country’s population lives in rural areas and 60 per cent is engaged in subsistence agriculture. Nearly 42 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.  

Timor-Leste’s large youth population presents an enormous opportunity and a significant challenge for the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

The country is considered lower middle-income, and its economy depends heavily on oil: Timor-Leste is the second-most oil dependent country in the world. 

Partnerships are the heart of everything UNICEF does. The power of partnerships allows them to expand their reach, working with a wide range of like-minded partners to deliver their mandate for children, in line with their country programme. 

UNICEF works in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, development partners and civil society to ensure the survival, development, protection and participation of children, with a focus on inequities and disadvantaged children and their families.