Cherinet Hariffo

Cherinet Hariffo
Hariffo advocating for African youth at the UNDESA in 2022
BornJune 2, 2001
Ethiopia
NationalityEthiopian
Other namesCherinet Alem
Occupation(s)Ambassador, Permanent Observer of IGAD, Education and Refugee Advocate
Notable workYoung Education Champion

Cherinet Hariffo (born June 2, 2001) is an Ethiopian social activist currently based in the United States. He established Human Rights Global, an NGO that offers advice and advocacy for people fleeing their native nations.[1]

Hariffo has participated in global protests and activism against genocide and human rights violations. He has also worked extensively on assisting refugees in Nairobi, Kenya.

Early life

Cherinet was born on June 2, 2001, in Moyale, a border town between Ethiopia and Kenya. As an ethnic Tigrayan, he was born to an Ethiopian father and an Eritrean mother.[2] As a child, he moved to Kenya as a refugee in 2012 and lived in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Hariuffo fled to Kenya in 2012 at the age of eight alone from his native country, Ethiopia, due to lack of security and better education. He later attended school at Valley Bridge Primary in Nairobi and also worked part-time as an animal keeper in the Kariobangi area of northeastern Nairobi.

He graduated from Lower Merion High School.

Hariffo has been involved in the United Nations Youth Program[3] and several local advocacy programs from a young age.

Education

Cherinet Hariffo began his schooling at Moyale Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Primary School and later attended Gash Abdi Academy (also known as Nama Bori). Despite facing adversity, After migrating to the US in 2019 Hariffo graduated from Lower Merion High School in 2021. Later in 2024, Hariffo graduated from Temple University.

Human rights and social advocacy

Having moved to the United States, Hariffo contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to learn more about the conditions in these areas and began visiting different UN offices.

Hariffo is involved in the UNICEF Unite program that works with youth in the United States, Africa, and Europe. He has also advocated for the prevention of child trafficking in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea. He also focuses on the Tigray crisis[4][5] in Ethiopia.[6]

Media

Personal life

Hariffo speaks more than five languages and often translates and interprets for refugees who do not speak English or Swahili.

References

  1. ^ "Cherinet Hariffo". odysseyonline. September 20, 2020.
  2. ^ https://www.unhcr.org/ibelong/supporter/cherinet-hariffo-ke/[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ "United Nations For Youth | Youth". www.un.org.
  4. ^ "Renewed Ethiopia-Tigray W@r: Clashes In Northern Region Despite Peace Pleas" – via www.youtube.com.
  5. ^ "Eye on Tigray hosted by Cherinet Hariffo | Hosting and Scripts". December 23, 2020.
  6. ^ "Tigray Crisis Action Committee led by Cherinet Hariffo".
  7. ^ "Eye on Tigray 02 hosted by Cherinet Hariffo | Eye on Tigray 02 hosted by Cherinet Hariffo" – via www.facebook.com.
  8. ^ "Eye on Tigray 03 hosted by Cherinet Hariffo | Eye on Tigray 03 hosted by Cherinet Hariffo" – via www.facebook.com.