On 11/02/1989, the CENTER DOM HELDER CHAMBER OF STUDIES AND SOCIAL ACTION - CENDHEC, founded by former professionals and members of the collegiate of the Justice and Peace Commission of Olinda and Recife, teachers and students of the Recife Theology Institute - ITER and Human Rights activists.

Currently, CENDHEC, is a civil association, for non-economic purposes, whose mission is "to defend and promote Human Rights, especially of children, adolescents, residents and residents of popular settlements and socially excluded groups, contributing to social transformation, towards a democratic and popular, equitable society that respects diversity and is free from violence. "

The institution has two lines of action , these developed through the Right to the City Program and the Program for the Defense of the Rights of Children and Adolescents. Both with the goal of defending rights and strengthening civil society for the construction of a democratic society.