Dr. Daniel Bekele, a distinguished human rights lawyer, policy advocate, and seasoned leader is appointed as the Executive Director of African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) effective 1^st August 2026. Dr. Daniel Bekele brings decades of experience advancing human rights, democratic governance, accountability, and public policy across Africa and internationally. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of law, public policy, development, and human rights, championing the rights of vulnerable and marginalised communities and strengthening institutions promoting rule of law, justice, and inclusive development.

Most recently Dr. Bekele served as the Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (2019–2024), where he led one of Africa’s most significant national human rights institutional transformations. Under his leadership, the Commission strengthened its independence, expanded its mandate, enhanced its monitoring and investigative capacity, and earned national and global recognition, including an “A” status accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. He also spearheaded joint investigations with the United Nations on complex and sensitive human rights issues.

Prior to leading EHRC, Dr. Bekele served in various senior leadership roles including as Executive Director of the Africa Division and as Senior Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch (2011–2017), as Senior Advisor at Amnesty International (2018–2019), as Senior Advisor for European Center for Electoral Support and as Director of Policy Research and Advocacy at ActionAid International Ethiopia. Earlier in his career, he practiced law in Ethiopia, served as a consultant and trainer on civil society capacity building, served in the private sector and academia as well as  serving as a frontline human rights defender, leading initiatives on anti-poverty campaigns, election monitoring, and the promotion of civic space. His commitment to justice and human dignity has been widely recognised and honored with global awards, including the EU Schuman Human Rights Award (2024), the German Africa Award (2021), and the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism (2009).

Dr. Bekele holds a PhD and Master’s Degree in International Law/Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Addis Ababa University. He is widely respected as one of Africa’s foremost voices on human rights, democratic governance, and institutional reform.

In announcing the appointment, H.E. Mr. Elhadj As Sy, Chairperson of ACPF’s International Board of Trustees said, “Daniel Bekele’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for ACPF. His experience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to human rights make him exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation as we continue working with all partners and stakeholders to ensure that every African child can grow up safe, healthy, educated, and able to fulfil their full potential.”

In accepting his appointment, Dr. Daniel Bekele said, “I am honored to join ACPF at this pivotal moment for Africa’s children.  ACPF has long been a beacon for child rights in Africa, and my vision is to deepen its impact by strengthening institutions, amplifying evidence-based advocacy, and championing the voices of children themselves. I envision an Africa where children’s rights are respected not in rhetoric but with political will, policy, and practice converging to secure their future and ensure that children not only survive but thrive.”

On behalf of the International Board of Trustees of the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), I wish to announce that Dr. Joan Nyanyuki has completed her tenure as Executive Director effective December 18th, 2025, at the conclusion of her six-year term.

During this time, Dr. Nyanyuki has steered ACPF with vision, integrity and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of Africa’s children. ACPF has continued to champion child rights across the Continent with inclusion and participation, aiming to hold national duty bearers to account for their commitments made to children. Over this period, the Forum has further solidified its position as a leading Pan-African and international voice for children producing rigorous research and analysis; highlighting major concerns for the protection of children’s rights, including those arising from conflicts, climate change, hunger and poverty; elevating the voices of adolescents; and building partnerships for children that transcend borders and institutions.

Despite multiple external challenges, the ACPF Team has been able to deepen the influence of the Forum for children across Africa and to build a sustainable foundation for future growth and transformation.
The International Board of Trustees is now moving to the identification and appointment of a successor Executive Director to carry forward the work of ACPF aiming at an Africa where every child not only survives but truly thrives.

The Board extends its gratitude to Dr. Nyanyuki for her service, dedication and leadership. We wish her every success in her future endeavours.

We look forward to our continued partnership and your support, with great appreciation.

With best wishes

Elhadj As Sy
Chairperson, International Board of Trustees

It is with deep sorrow that we mark the passing of H.E. Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis, an eminent Ethiopian diplomat and founding member of African Child Policy Forum (ACPF).

H.E. Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis started her career in 1962, a year before the establishment of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU). After joining the Foreign Service of Ethiopia, she held numerous positions both in Addis Ababa and overseas for over 50 years.

Ambassador Kongit was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the OAU (1995-96), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and Director-General for African Affairs (2002), and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, from 2009-2015.

Her diplomatic service also spanned postings in Austria, Egypt, Israel, Canada,and Mexico, as well as missions in New York, Vienna, and Geneva.

She was a graduate of the University College London and a Carnegie Fellow at Columbia University, later receiving an honorary degree from Addis Ababa University.  She was also recognised by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for her distinguished service.

As a founding member of African Child Policy Forum, she played a vital role in advancing the rights and wellbeing of children across Africa.

Her passing is a profound l loss to Ethiopia, to the African continent, and to all those committed to advancing human rights and social justice. Her legacy will endure through the institutions she helped shape, the principles she upheld, and the many lives she impacted.

The International Board of Trustees of ACPF extends its sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who mourn her passing.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Amen.

Elhadj As Sy

Chairperson, International Board of Trustees

Ambassador Lemlem Fiseha, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), recently presented her letter of credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Lemlem served at Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York as Minister Plenipotentiary and Political Coordinator, where she played a key role in advancing Ethiopia’s engagement within the multilateral system.

Ambassador Lemlem graduated with honors from the School of Law of Addis Ababa University in 2011. Shortly thereafter, she joined the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) in October 2011 as a Legal Intern. Following the successful completion of her internship, she was appointed as a Project Officer within ACPF’s Children and the Law Programme, a position she held until August 2014.

Driven by a commitment to further her academic and professional development, Ambassador Lemlem pursued graduate studies in the United States, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Law and Government from the American University Washington College of Law.

Upon her return to Ethiopia, she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she steadily advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as Head of the Legal Directorate. Her expertise in international law, diplomacy, and multilateral affairs has earned her recognition as one of Ethiopia’s accomplished diplomatic professionals.

Throughout her career, Ambassador Lemlem has distinguished herself through her professionalism, intellectual rigor, integrity, and ability to build constructive relationships. Those who have had the privilege of working with her know her as an approachable, thoughtful, and friendly colleague.

At ACPF, we take great pride in having been part of Ambassador Lemlem’s professional journey and are delighted to witness her continued achievements in public service. Her appointment as Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA is a testament to her dedication, competence, and exemplary leadership.

Congratulations, Ambassador Lemlem! We wish you every success in this important assignment. From all of us at ACPF.