UNICEF: Ishmael Beah appointed UNICEF Advocate for Children

NEW YORK, USA, 20 November 2007 -- UNICEF's first Advocate for Children Affected by War, Ishmael Beah, has pledged to give a voice and hope to children whose lives have been scarred by violence.

"I know the nature of what it is to be forgotten, what it is to lose your humanity, and more importantly, what it is to recover from it and to have another life," he added.

Mr. Beah was forcibly recruited as a child soldier in Sierra Leone when he was 13. UNICEF helped him to escape the conflict and become rehabilitated. He then moved to the United States to complete his education, began advocating for children's rights and went on to author the best-selling book, 'A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier'.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_41894.html

and

http://www.unicef.org/knowyourrights/

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• CRC
• Convention
• Rights
• Child
• Ishmael
• Beah

[teem16]

That book! Wonderful... I cried several times while reading that book and i appreciate the insight and his story. wow

[aidablatp]

Great person, heartbreaking life, beautiful smile, words of wisdom. Thanks Ishmael. Good luck with your new appointment as advocate of these kids, they couldn't have a better one.

[measow]

He is very deserving for this. What a remarkable story. Great book.

[Rizo08]

He is the perfect advocate for this.

[JetFlyBoy]

Amazing life story and a must read for everyone!!