Project report

African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) welcomes Daniel Bekele (PhD) as the next Executive Director

sysadmin@africanchildforum.org · 1 Aug 2026

Abstract

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 1st 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.” The post African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) welcomes Daniel Bekele (PhD) as the next Executive Director appeared first on African Child Forum ACPF.