Hawa Jude and Mariama, two young Guineans committed to defending children's rights, are appointed UNICEF Youth Advocates

CONAKRY, 20 NOVEMBER 2024 - Hawa Jude, 18, Young Ambassador for Girls' Education, and Mariama, 15, Young Ambassador for Children's Rights, have been appointed UNICEF Youth Advocates in Guinea. This appointment recognizes their commitment to the organization and their mobilization for children's rights and affirms their essential role for present and future generations.

Mariama Diallo is President of the Guinean Children's Parliament. She fights against school dropout and violence against children, especially sexual abuse, and advocates for better access to education. She also defended children affected by climate change at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi in 2023 and at COP28 in Dubai. In 2024, she participated in the Youth Action Days in New York to promote girls' education and their role in decision-making.

At the age of 14, Hawa Jude Tounkara began hosting the "Royaume des Enfants" radio program, which marked the start of her deep commitment to children's education. Today, she serves as the Information Secretary for the Guinean Children's Parliament and is a young reporter for Deutsche Welle. Hawa Jude played a key role at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi and contributed to amplifying the voices of Guinean children in the development of the Guinea-UNICEF Cooperation Program for 2024-2028. Additionally, she participated in the Youth Action Days at the Summit of the Future in New York, further strengthening her advocacy for children's rights and ensuring their access to quality education.

"I congratulate Hawa Jude and Mariama for their commitment to UNICEF in defending children's rights and giving a voice to young Guineans," said Félix Ackebo, UNICEF Representative in Guinea. "Young people have great potential to benefit their societies socially, politically and economically. They are also leaders who can mobilize their peers around issues they are passionate about. For children's rights to be respected, it is essential that decision-makers, adults, businesses and world leaders work with children and young people as partners and agents of change."

UNICEF Youth Advocates are young people aged 13 to 24 from diverse social backgrounds who are committed to raising public awareness of issues affecting children and young people. They work with UNICEF on campaigns and initiatives and actively participate in high-level discussions to defend children's rights and raise the voices of their peers. Hawa Jude and Mariama join Oumou Hawa Diallo, who has already been appointed Guinea's Youth Advocate for 2023 for her work on climate and environmental issues.

Young people under the age of 20 represent about 55.5% of the population of the Republic of Guinea. UNICEF is committed to empowering Guinean youth to protect their rights and build a better future by amplifying their voices and encouraging their active participation in advocating for education, protection, and equal opportunities for all children.