Essex PhD student elected to United Nations committee

A University of Essex PhD student has been elected to one of the world's leading human rights bodies dedicated to protecting children.

Farid Adilov, a PhD researcher and Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, has been elected as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for the 2027–2031 term.

Nominated by the Government of Azerbaijan, Farid received a strong level of support from United Nations member states during the election.

The 18-member Committee on the Rights of the Child is made up of independent experts from around the world who monitor how countries are implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and meets regularly in Geneva.

Farid, who began his PhD at Essex in 2023, said: "I am deeply honoured to have been elected a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child for the term 2027 to 2031. It is both a privilege and a highly rewarding commitment.

"It gives me a responsibility to continue contributing, independently and professionally, to the advancement of children's rights at the international level.

"I would like to thank the Government of Azerbaijan for supporting my candidature, as well as the member states that placed their trust in me through their votes."

Before joining Essex, Farid spent almost a decade at the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs in Azerbaijan, where he held senior roles supporting national policy on family, women and children's issues.

His PhD research explores how women members of parliament influence policies on domestic violence, reproductive rights, early marriage and parental leave.

Looking ahead to his new role, Farid said he hopes to be a strong advocate for children facing the greatest challenges.

"Today, children around the world continue to face serious threats to their fundamental rights through armed conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and forced migration," he added.

"As someone who spent my childhood living in difficult conditions as an internally displaced person, I personally understand the challenges that many children face. I will advocate for children in vulnerable situations and work to ensure that their voices are heard."

Farid also praised the support he has received at Essex. "Essex has prepared me well academically and I have learned a great deal from being part of the Essex academic community," he said.

"Our Department of Sociology and Criminology has always been very supportive, and I am feel very grateful to my colleagues, friends and supervisors for their guidance, encouragement and support."