Defence for Children International (DCI) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that has been promoting and protecting children's rights on a global, regional, national and local level for over 30 years. DCI is represented through its national sections and associated members in over 47 countries worldwide.

On a global level, the DCI movement is united in its commitment to working for children’s rights in juvenile justice. DCI works to protect, defend and advocate for the rights of children and young people in conflict with the law.

Their mandate is to ensure effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the local, national and international level.

Their vision is that children, as human beings, are able to pursue a life in which they can enjoy their human rights with dignity, in a just and responsible society.

In all that they do, they aspire to work in a transparent, accountable, sustainable and socially transformative way.