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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 40 countries worldwide.

Its International Secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland.Read More

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

HAITI QUAKE DISASTER

The tragedy that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 awakened concerns worldwide about the plight of children there. Calls have poured in for the temporary or permanent removal of many children from the disaster sites, a reaction that, although well-intentioned, should be carried out with extreme caution. Government officials, aid agencies and adoptive families alike must be aware of and follow compliance procedures and international commitments on cross-border adoptions.

Download the full press release from DCI International Secretariat: English / French / Spanish

DNI-Argentina and DEI-France, supported by DCI-IS and UNICEF, have also issued a warning against the risks of misplaced generosity towards Haitian children, particularly the risk that young quake victims could fall prey to human traffickers, as has happened in previous humanitarian disasters.

Download the press release of Defence for Children International France: English / French / Spanish

Download the press release of Defence for Children International Argentina: English / French / Spanish