Leila Zerrougui

Who is Leila Zerrougui?

Leila Zerrougui is an Algerian legal expert on human rights and administration of justice.

Ms. Leila Zerrougui was appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict at the Under Secretary-General level in September 2012. In this capacity, she serves as a moral voice and independent advocate to build awareness and give prominence to the rights and protection of boys and girls affected by armed conflict.

Immediately prior to this appointment she was the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where, since 2008, she spearheaded the mission’s efforts in strengthening the rule of law and protection of civilians. In 2013 she was succeeded by Abdallah Wafy.

As a legal expert in human rights and the administration of justice, Ms. Zerrougui has had a distinguished career in the strengthening of the rule of law and in championing strategies and actions for the protection of vulnerable groups especially women and children.

A lawyer by training, Ms.