Akto - Direitos Humanos e Democracia

Acerca de la organización

Akto – Human Rights and Democracy is a non-profit association and Non-Governmental Development Organisation (NGDO), founded in 2015 and based in Coimbra, Portugal. Its mission is to promote education, awareness-raising and action in the fields of Human Rights and Democracy, recognising these principles as cornerstones of positive social change and essential to building fairer, more inclusive and more equitable societies. Akto works across different areas of social and educational action, bringing together a multidisciplinary approach centred on human dignity: Gender equality and combating discrimination; Gender-based violence and trafficking in human beings; Human Rights Education and Global Citizenship Education; Civic participation and democratic strengthening; Social inclusion and fostering community cohesion; Development cooperation and international solidarity. As part of its direct intervention, Akto runs two specialised shelter and protection services, in line with national and international human rights guidelines: - Shelter and Protection Centre for Child and Young Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings – A safe and confidential shelter dedicated to the protection, support and social integration of children and young people identified as victims of trafficking in human beings; - Casa Femina – Emergency Shelter (CAE) – A temporary shelter for women and girls flagged as victims of gender-based violence, including harmful traditional practices such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. This service aims to ensure immediate protection, psychosocial support, reintegration and empowerment, in coordination with the relevant authorities.Akto is a training provider certified by DGERT, reaffirming its commitment to quality, methodological rigour and the pedagogical relevance of the training it delivers. This certification strengthens the organisation's role as a leading actor in the fields of Human Rights Education and gender equality.