Debora Kayembe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Debora Kayembe
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| Lord Rector of the University of Edinburgh | |
| In office 1 March 2021 – 3 March 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Ann Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Simon Fanshawe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 1975 (age 50) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Political party | Scottish Socialist Party |
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| Occupation | Human rights lawyer |
Debora Kayembe Buba, born in April 1975, is a Scottish lawyer who works to protect human rights. She is also a political activist. She has been part of the Scottish Refugee Council, which helps people seeking safety. She also works with the International Criminal Court, a court that deals with very serious international crimes.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Growing Up in Congo
Debora Kayembe comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). She studied at the Universite Libre de Kinshasa. Before becoming a lawyer, she was a human rights activist. She worked with an organization called Toges noires, which means "Black Togas."
Fighting for Justice
In 2000, Debora became a barrister with the Congolese Bar Association. Her job included looking into corruption related to foreign investments in the DRC. She was part of a group sent by President Joseph Kabila to South Africa. Their goal was to create a group to investigate human rights in the DRC.
Seeking Safety in the UK
Debora investigated a terrible event in Bunia during the Second Congo War. Because of the dangers involved in reporting what she found, she was advised to leave the country. In 2005, she moved to the United Kingdom as a political asylum refugee. She settled in Blackburn and received final permission to stay in 2007. Debora Kayembe has two children.
Life and Work in Scotland
Legal Career in Scotland
In 2011, Debora moved to Scotland. Her legal qualifications from Congo are recognized there, which means she could continue her law career.
Helping Others with Languages
Debora is very good with languages. She speaks English, French, Lingala, Kikongo, and Swahili. She often helps as a translator for refugees and patients in NHS hospitals. She was also part of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for ten years.
Political and Community Roles
Debora is a member of the Scottish Socialist Party. She was on its executive committee from September 2015 to January 2021. She also helps refugees through her work with the Royal Society of Edinburgh / Young Academy of Scotland. She is their expert lawyer for the Africa working group.
Founding a Charity
In 2017, Debora Kayembe started a charity called Full Options. This organization works to promote human rights and peace.
Honored for Achievements
In 2019, Debora made history. She became the first African person to have her portrait displayed at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This honor recognized her important achievements and contributions.
Standing Up Against Racism
In 2020, Debora faced racist attacks at her home. She then started the Freedom Walk campaign. This is a civil rights movement that works to promote social reforms, racial justice, and community harmony. It especially focuses on fighting racism in education.
Rector of Edinburgh University
A Historic Election
In February 2021, Debora Kayembe was elected Rector of the University of Edinburgh. She was the third woman to hold this important role since 1858. The previous women were Muriel Gray and Ann Henderson. Her local Member of Parliament, Owen Thompson, welcomed her appointment. He also called for changes to UK immigration laws.
Goals as Rector
As Rector, Debora Kayembe focused on several key areas. These included dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting racism, and encouraging diversity. She also worked to ensure equal access to higher education for everyone. The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the university, Peter Mathieson, said he looked forward to working with her to build a bright future for the university.
External Sources
- BBC interview [1]
- Debora Kayembe Official YouTube channel [2]
See also
In Spanish: Debora Kayembe para niños
