The work developed at the centre ranges from the socio-judicial defence of children and adolescents at risk, to the participation in discussion forums and seminars on the formulation of public policies which guarantee the basic rights of young people. The centre also monitors public organs in order to demand concrete action from the state in looking after the rights of children and adolescents. In addition, it maintains permanent contact with national and international Human Rights organisations - such as ANCED (National Association of Defence Centres), CEJIL (Centre for Justice and International Law), Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International - on the look out for opportunities to promote declarations or protests for justice and citizenship.

Fulfilling a fundamental role in the promotion of citizenship and new policies for the benefit of children and adolescents, its principal objective is to provide legal assistance and guarantee the rights established by the Statute for Children and Adolescents.

 

Founded in 1988, Dom Luciano Mendes Defence Centre is responsible for the area of defence of childrens' and adolescents' rights. Fulfilling a fundamental role in the promotion of citizenship and new policies for the benefit of children and adolescents, its principal objective is to provide legal assistance and guarantee the rights established by the Statute for Children and Adolescents.