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Meeting between representatives of the DPU and the MDP of the Republic of Paraguay
Technical Mission in Brasilia promoted the exchange of best practices regarding access to justice and combating gender-based violence
Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Public Defenders’ Office of Brazil (DPU) and the Ministry of Public Defense (MDP) of the Republic of Paraguay, a technical mission comprising four Paraguayan women public defenders took place in Brasília, Brazil, from October 5 to 8, 2026. The initiative sought to strengthen institutional ties between the two Offices and to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices regarding access to justice, the protection of human networks, and the prevention and combating of violence against women.
The program included meetings and presentations by technical departments of the DPU and the National School of the Federal Public Defenders' Office (ENADPU). It also featured visits to the Federal Senate, the Brazilian Women's House (Casa da Mulher Brasileira), the Integrated Women's Care Division (DIAM) of the Federal District Civil Police, the Federal District Public Defenders' Office (DPDF), and other institutions within the women's protection network. Additionally, activities were held with the DPU's Women's Working Group, along with an agenda related to the Ligue 180 hotline.
During the meetings, the structure, organization, and different fields of operation of the DPU were presented. The delegation was welcomed by the Federal Public Defender General, Tarcijany Linhares Aguiar Machado, and by Federal Public Defenders Daniela Jacques Brauner (International Advisor), and Vivian Netto Machado Santarém (Chief of Staff of the DPU). Discussions addressed, among other topics, the importance of a balanced participation of women and men in institutional spaces, leadership roles, and decision-making processes.
The Deputy Public Defender of Paraguay, Nancy Amarilla, highlighted the opportunity to learn about Brazilian experiences that could be adapted to the Paraguayan reality and contribute to improving the services provided to those receiving legal aid. The mission also enabled professional development and the sharing of institutional practices, fostering closer ties between the systems of access to justice of both countries.
One of the main pillars of the exchange was the need to offer comprehensive care to women experiencing violence, coordinating legal assistance with health, social assistance, and public safety services. The importance of swiftness in requesting protective measures was also highlighted, along with the adoption of welcoming practices that prevent women from having to repeatedly report situations of violence to each service they seek.
During a visit to the Federal Senate on October 6, the delegation learned about initiatives of the Equity Network (Rede Equidade) and the Lilac Room (Sala Lilás), as well as equity promotion actions, gender-based violence prevention campaigns, internal training sessions, and initiatives to combat femicide. The visit was part of an itinerary focused on learning about experiences that can contribute to the improvement of public services and of the protection of women.
Concluded on October 8, the mission contributed to strengthening ties between the DPU and Paraguay's MDP, reinforcing regional cooperation and the sharing of solutions for the promotion of human rights. The initiative continues the institutional partnership formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2025, which provides for the exchange of information and strategies for the protection and promotion of the human rights of vulnerable people and groups.
Source: The Federal Public Defenders’ Office of Brazil (DPU)
