On 23 June 2026, States Parties will convene in New York for the 21st Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to elect nine new members to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, replacing those whose terms expire on 28 February 2027.
At a time when children’s rights face increasing challenges globally, Defence for Children International (DCI) proudly endorses the candidacy of Mr. Abdul Manaff Kemokai, Executive Director of Defence for Children International – Sierra Leone, nominated by the Government of Sierra Leone.
About Abdul Manaff Kemokai
Mr. Kemokai brings more than two decades of dedicated leadership and frontline experience in advancing children’s rights across national, regional, and international arenas. His work is grounded in direct engagement with children and communities, as well as in shaping policies and legal frameworks in complex and resource-constrained contexts.
Since 2003, he has served as Executive Director of Defence for Children International-Sierra Leone, where he has led efforts to expand access to justice and protection for children. From 2017 to 2023, he served as President of the global DCI Movement, becoming the first representative from an African national section to hold this position, following eight years as Vice President for Africa. His leadership has consistently amplified voices from the Global South within international child rights advocacy.
Under his leadership, DCI-Sierra Leone has established Socio-Legal Defence Centres that provide essential legal assistance, protection, and psychosocial support to children, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. He has been instrumental in advancing national child protection standards and referral mechanisms, working in close partnership with government institutions and civil society to strengthen the child justice system and ensure the effective implementation of child rights legislation.
Mr. Kemokai also brings extensive experience engaging with international human rights mechanisms. As founder of the Child Rights Coalition Sierra Leone in 2007, he has led coordinated civil society engagement with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the UN Human Rights Council, including through the Universal Periodic Review process. His work has consistently helped hold States accountable and advance the meaningful implementation of children’s rights obligations.
Mr. Kemokai is a recipient of the Child10 Award (2016), in recognition of the work conducted by DCI-Sierra Leone through its Socio-Legal Defence Centres. These Centres provide direct socio-legal assistance to children and ensure they receive adequate protection and access to justice.
Join Us in Supporting Kemokai
DCI believes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child must reflect diverse expertise, lived realities, and regional representation. Mr. Kemokai embodies these qualities. His proven commitment to child rights, deep technical expertise, and principled leadership make him exceptionally well-qualified to serve on the Committee.
DCI calls on States Parties to support Mr. Kemokai’s candidacy and to seize this opportunity to strengthen the Committee with a candidate who brings both vision and grounded experience in delivering justice and protection for children.