Constitution and legal basis

Defending Human Rights

Driven by this conviction, I decided to devote part of my time and resources to actively supporting the defence of Human Rights. This philanthropic initiative aims to support people, causes, communities and organisations that work every day for greater justice, protect the most vulnerable and promote equal opportunities. I invite everyone who shares this vision to join this reflection and action. Together, we have the power and the responsibility to build a fairer and more humane world.

Human dignity and fundamental rights

Every person has dignity and deserves freedom, equality and protection. The Portuguese Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are two references for the foundation’s commitment to people and communities.

Constitution of the Portuguese Republic

Adopted in 1976, the Constitution is Portugal’s fundamental law. It protects fundamental rights, freedoms and guarantees, alongside economic, social and cultural rights, including health, housing and education.

• Article 1: the Republic is based on human dignity and committed to a free, just and solidary society.
• Article 13: all citizens have the same social dignity and are equal before the law; discrimination is prohibited on the grounds listed in this article.
• Article 16(2): provisions concerning fundamental rights must be interpreted and integrated in harmony with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These are introductory summaries, not the full legal texts. Read the official documents below.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948, the Declaration sets out 30 articles on the rights and freedoms of every person. It is a declaration, not itself a treaty, and a foundational reference for international human rights.

• Articles 1–2: freedom, equal dignity and rights without discrimination.
• Articles 3–21: life, liberty, security, equality before the law, freedom of thought and expression, and participation in public affairs.
• Articles 22–27: social security, work, rest, an adequate standard of living, education and cultural participation.
• Articles 28–30: a social and international order that enables these rights, duties to the community and protection against the destruction of rights.

These are introductory summaries, not the full legal texts. Read the official documents below.