Human Rights Center
Research, social mobilization, and humanistic commitment.
History
The humanistic commitment of the PUC-Rio Law Department began effectively in the 1980s, with the Education and Human Rights project, organized by the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIHR) based in Costa Rica.
Between 1986 and 1992, the project brought together various human rights groups across Brazil: Federal University of Paraíba; Cabinet of Legal Assistance to Popular Organizations (GAJOP) in Pernambuco; Recife City Hall; Justice and Peace Commission of São Paulo; Justice and Human Rights Movement; Federal University of Santa Maria; University of Caxias do Sul; Methodological Orientation Center of the Archdiocese of Caxias do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul; Heleno Fragoso Human Rights Center; Government of the State of Paraná; Federal University of Santa Catarina; and, naturally, PUC-Rio.
Our institution's participation in the project was of paramount importance. Professor João Ricardo Dornelles, currently our General Coordinator, was elected by the participating Brazilian entities to serve as the national coordinator. In addition to these entities, professors from other Latin American human rights organizations were also part of the IIHR project.
Specifically, PUC-Rio became involved in this educational project in the field of human rights through the Law Department. The practical result of this involvement was the pioneering and permanent offering of a human rights course in the undergraduate Law program, as well as the establishment of a research line entitled HUMAN RIGHTS, CITIZENSHIP AND DEMOCRACY in the graduate programs (master's and doctorate) of the Law Department.
The ultimate outcome of this trajectory was the creation, in August 2002, of the Human Rights Center (NDH).
Objective
The NDH is a university center for research and social mobilization that aims to promote human rights awareness starting from within the university. It seeks to sensitize students and faculty to the theme of human rights in order to contribute to the training of future lawyers and activists in the human rights field in Brazil. Thus, the NDH promotes debates, seminars, and training workshops; conducts investigations through research projects; publishes articles, books, and thematic reports; and establishes partnerships with other national and international institutions to carry out projects, among other activities.
Philosophical Pillars
Considering the initiatives mapped out by the PUC-Rio community over the last twenty years, the NDH's fundamental philosophical pillars are humanistic commitment, multidisciplinarity, and scientific innovation.
Mission
The NDH's mission is to provide theoretical tools capable of generating human rights awareness from within the academic community.
Contact Us
Get in touch with the Human Rights Center