Defence for Children International

Defence for Children International ( DCI ) is an independent NGO that was founded in the International Year of the Child ( 1979). Its objective practical, systematic and concerted action for children's rights, which are in the CRC. The international secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland. DCI has 48 sections and affiliated members and a representative at the United Nations headquarters in New York. DCI operates on a global, regional, national and local levels. At global level, it focuses on lobbying, advocacy for children's rights and monitoring the implementation of the Child Rights Convention by the States. The sections are working on various child rights issues. The main issues are child labor, juvenile justice, child prostitution, child in armed conflict and children's rights education.

Like other human rights organizations she belongs to the coalition for ending the use of child soldiers and the Child Rights Information Network. DCI has consultative status with the United Nations, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Euro Europe Economic and Social Council.