Kenya beats 18 candidates to be elected on global committee on rights of child

Kenyan nominee Timothy Ekesa has been appointed to the Committee on the Rights of the Child from 2025 to 2029.

Ekesa emerged victorious in a tightly contested election during the Convention on the Rights of the Child in New York City, US, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Garnering 134 votes, Ekesa clinched the esteemed seat.

"Kenya's candidate, Timothy Ekesa has been elected to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the period 2025 to 2029.

The election took place during the twentieth meeting of States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child held on 23rd May 2024, in New York.

He garnered 134 votes, the second highest number of votes," the State Department for Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on Friday, May 24, 2024.

18 candidates had expressed interest in occupying the seat but Ekesa impressed the members who picked alongside other eight candidates from Mauritania, Zambia, Belgium, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Georgia, and Moldova.

Ekesa and the other elected officials will take office on February 28, 2025, and serve for a four-year tenure.

"The elections were hotly contested by 18 candidates, 11 from Africa vying for the 9 available seats. Ekesa was elected alongside eight other candidates from Mauritania, Zambia, Belgium, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Georgia, and Moldova to replace those whose terms will expire on February 28, 2025," the statement added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs commended Ekesa on his appointment, highlighting that his role would elevate Kenya's advocacy for children's rights on the global stage. They also noted Ekesa's competence in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.

"Kenya is committed to the promotion and protection of children's rights and is strongly convinced that Ekesa will contribute substantially to the Committee given his vast experience in child rights advocacy."

Ekesa is the Executive Director of the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children. He is also a child rights activist with over 29 years of experience. The Kenyan candidate is also a board member of the Eastern Africa Child Rights Network (EACRN).

He holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development from the United States International University (USIU).

"As the Executive Director of Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children and a leading Child Rights Activist with over 29 years experience of advocating for children's rights at national, regional and global levels, I believe I will contribute meaningfully to the work of the CRC Committee," he stated while pitching for his candidacy.

Committee on the Rights of the Child

The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on which Ekesa has been elected is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by its state parties.

The body plays a critical role in ensuring children are protected from any form of harm. It collaborates with various government agencies to achieve its goals of protecting children.