Ms. Leila Zerrougui of Algeria was appointed as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in February 2018. In this capacity, she serves as the senior‐most United Nations official in the DRC and directs MONUSCO’s efforts in relations to the protection of civilians and support to the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions in the country, as mandated in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2502 (2019).
Ms. Zerrougui has more than 30 years of experience in rule of law and protection of civilians, as well as a demonstrated record of management and leadership. She served as Special Representative of the Secretary‐General for Children in Armed Conflict (2012‐2016) and as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary‐General in MONUSCO (2008‐2012), where she spearheaded the Mission’s efforts in strengthening the rule of law and protection of civilians.
Ms. Zerrougui has continuously prioritized the opening of space for collaborative engagement with Governments in countries affected by armed conflict as well as engaging with a broad range of non‐State armed groups. She has engaged in peace and mediation processes in Africa, South America, Asia and in the Middle East, working closely with Special Envoys of the UN or of regional organizations, and with countries operating as mediators, facilitators or guarantors. Other priorities have included developing strong relationships with regional organizations including the African Union, the Arab League and the European Union. She has also worked with Member States to support engagement with parties to conflict, while at the same time continuing to work closely with United Nations and civil society partners on these issues.
A legal expert in human rights and the administration of justice, Ms. Zerrougui has had a distinguished career in strengthening the rule of law and championing strategies and actions for the protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. She was a member of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention under the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2001 to 2003, and served as the Working Group’s Chairperson‐ Rapporteur from 2003 to 2008. She previously served as an expert member of a number of working groups and committees under the then United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Prior to her international engagements, Ms. Zerrougui had a longstanding career in Algeria, where in 2000 she was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Born in 1956, Ms. Zerrougui graduated from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (Algiers) in 1980. Since 1993, she has held various academic positions at law schools in Algeria, and was associate professor of the Ecole Supérieure de la Magistrature in Algiers.
