Spotlight for the Week: Dr. Susan Bissell – A Champion for Child Protection
This week, we highlight the incredible work of Dr. Susan Bissell, a Canadian academic, human rights advocate, and a leading figure in the field of international child protection. With over three decades of experience, Bissell has been at the forefront of efforts to protect children’s rights and ensure their safety and security worldwide.
Bissell’s journey began in 1987 with UNICEF, where she quickly rose through the ranks. Her work has spanned across several regions, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, focusing on children in difficult circumstances, child labor, and ensuring children’s rights are upheld in these challenging environments. She later earned a PhD in public health and medical anthropology from the University of Melbourne, expanding her expertise in child protection.
Dr. Bissell is most recognized for her role as UNICEF’s global lead on Child Protection, where she guided global strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children in over 170 countries. She was instrumental in founding the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, ensuring that child safety is prioritized globally. Her work has influenced key international research, including studies on child trafficking and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Her commitment to the cause goes beyond policy; Dr. Bissell is a passionate storyteller. She co-produced the documentary A Kind of Childhood, which brings attention to the impact of violence on children in Bangladesh. She continues to produce and executive-produce documentaries that shed light on the global exploitation of children, such as Running to Stand Still / Heart of the Matter, focusing on migration and human trafficking.
Her academic work includes a visiting fellowship at the FXB Centre for Health & Human Rights at Harvard University, where she continues to write and educate future leaders in the field of child protection. Dr. Bissell’s commitment to children’s rights has earned her several prestigious honors, including an honorary Professorship at Barnard College/Columbia University, the Dr. Jean Mayar Global Citizenship Award from Tufts University, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Dr. Susan Bissell’s lifelong dedication to child protection is a shining example of the power of advocacy and expertise in making the world a safer place for children. Her global influence and continued work ensure that children, wherever they are, have the chance to grow up in a world that respects their rights and dignity.
