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 was born in April 1975. She is a Scottish human rights lawyer and political activist. She has worked with the Scottish Refugee Council. She is also part of the team at the International Criminal Court. This court deals with very serious international crimes.
Early Life in Congo
Debora Kayembe grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). She studied at the Université Libre de Kinshasa. Before becoming a lawyer, she was a human rights activist. She worked with an organization called Toges noires (Black Togas).
In 2000, she started her career as a barrister in Congo. She investigated problems like unfair dealings with foreign investments. She was even part of a group sent by the President to South Africa. Their goal was to set up a group to look into human rights in the DRC.
During her work, she investigated serious events in Bunia during the Second Congo War. Because her reports could put her in danger, she was advised to leave. So, in 2005, she moved to the United Kingdom. She was a political asylum refugee. She settled in Blackburn and was allowed to stay in 2007. Debora Kayembe has two children.
Life and Work in the UK
In 2011, Debora Kayembe moved to Scotland. Her legal skills were recognized there. She 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 is a member of the Scottish Socialist Party. She also helps refugees through the Royal Society of Edinburgh. She is their expert lawyer for a group focused on Africa.
In 2017, Kayembe started a charity called Full Options. This charity works to promote human rights and peace.
A big honor came in 2019. Debora Kayembe became the first African person to have her portrait displayed at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This recognized her important achievements.
In 2020, she faced racist attacks at her home. This led her to start the Freedom Walk campaign. This movement works for civil rights. It aims to promote social fairness, racial justice, and community harmony. It especially focuses on dealing with racism in education.
Becoming a Rector
In February 2021, Debora Kayembe was elected Rector of the University of Edinburgh. This was a historic moment. She became only the third woman to hold this important role since 1858. The other two were Muriel Gray and Ann Henderson.
As Rector, Debora Kayembe will focus on several key areas for three years. These include dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. She also wants to fight racism and encourage diversity. Another goal is to make sure everyone has equal access to higher education. The university's leader, Peter Mathieson, welcomed her. He said he looked forward to working with her for a bright future for the university.
External Sources
- BBC interview: Listen to an interview with Debora Kayembe
- Debora Kayembe Official YouTube channel: Watch videos from Debora Kayembe
See also
In Spanish: Debora Kayembe para niños
