Press Release

Bhutan’s candidate for membership to the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Dr Rinchen Chophel, was re-elected to serve a four-year term from 2025-2029 at the election held during the 20 th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child at UN Headquarters in New York this morning. Independent experts nominated by the Governments of Mauritania, Kenya, Zambia, Belgium, Ethiopia, Georgia, Moldova, and Malta were also elected to serve on the Committee.

The CRC is a body of 18 Independent experts that monitors implementation of the CRC. It also oversees the implementation of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention, on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography.

Dr Rinchen Chophel is currently serving as Vice Chair and Rapporteur of the CRC. The Royal Government of Bhutan had nominated Dr Rinchen Chophel to re-contest the CRC election given his significant contributions made to CRC during his current tenure as well as in recognition of his over 30 years of experience in promoting and protecting children’s rights at both national and international levels, Dr Rinchen Chophel has established himself as a leading advocate for the universality of the CRC. He is also the current Director General of the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC).

As a State Party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Royal Government has always prioritized the interests and well-being of children. Bhutan is committed to fostering a safer environment for children to thrive and fulfill their dreams, and to protect them from neglect, abuse, and ill-health.

Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations

New York
23 May 2024