Roberto R Cooper Jr

Roberto R. Cooper Jr. (17), is from Liberia. Born in Kakata City, Margibi County, Liberia, Roberto grew up witnessing the everyday challenges children face within Liberia’s education and protection systems. Those experiences shaped his deep commitment to fighting for children’s rights, especially access to quality education, protection, and a real say in decisions that affect their lives.

Roberto has taken that mission to the international stage, becoming a pioneer in child participation within global human rights mechanisms. He currently serves as the African Children’s Representative to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR), representing the entire African continent in advocacy for a Fourth Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In this role, Roberto brings a child-led, rights-based perspective to global education discussions, pushing for free, public, and compulsory education, from pre-primary through secondary school, to be recognized as a legally enforceable right for every child.

Supported by national and international child rights organizations, mentors, his parents, and advocacy networks, Roberto is proving that a young voice from Liberia can help shape policy for children worldwide.