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The Movement

Defence for Children International is an independent non-governmental organisation that has been promoting and protecting children’s rights on a global, regional, national and local level for 30 years.

Defence for Children International is represented through its national sections and associated members in 47* countries worldwide, and an International Secretariat based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Read more about us | See our brochure |View our Fact Sheets in EN, FR, ES

Juvenile Justice

Defence for Children International believes that no child belongs behind bars. The deprivation of liberty should be used only as the very last resort in dealing with children in conflict with the law.

During its International General Assembly in 2008, Defence for Children International reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to juvenile justice as its priority issue at the international level.
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Position Statements

As an international human rights organisation, Defence for Children International works to raise awareness about child rights violations and advocate for governments and stakeholders at regional and international levels to take action to implement international child rights standards.

Click below to read Defence for Children International’s position statements on key child rights issues.
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Focus

Committee against Torture (CAT) 50th session, 6 to 31 May 2013, Geneva - Switzerland

From 6 to 31 May, the Committee against Torture (CAT) convenes its 50th Session of monitoring implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the “Torture Convention”) by its State parties. Defence for Children International (DCI) focuses on the following countries, under review at this CAT session: Bolivia, Japan, and the Netherlands. On 7 May, CAT marked its 25th anniversary since its first session and held two panel discussions, which DCI attended, focused on identifying the main achievements and challenges faced by the Committee and on the obligation of States parties with regard to redress for victims of torture.