Dominican Constitutional Court President emphasizes protection of rights

Napoleón Estévez Lavandier, President of the Dominican Constitutional Court (TC), stated that the true challenge of constitutionalism is not merely recognizing rights and freedoms, but ensuring effective mechanisms exist to protect them and guarantee their exercise.

During a solemn hearing marking the 182nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Dominican Constitution, Estévez Lavandier argued that fundamental rights are merely promises without instruments that allow citizens to demand compliance and restoration when violated. He noted that constitutional guarantees represent a state commitment to human dignity, the prevention of power abuses, and the preservation of constitutional order.

The President also emphasized that the responsibility of constitutional judges extends beyond formal preservation to ensuring the principles of a social and democratic state of law remain in effect. This sentiment aligns with the institutional campaign, “The Constitution lives with you,” held during the month of November.