Ma. Marc Yao AGBETSE
Academic Background
Yao Agbétsé holds two Master's degrees: one in Human Rights and the Practice of International Organisations from the Human Rights Institute of Lyon, France, and another in History, Law and Human Rights from Pierre Mendès France University – Grenoble II.
He also holds two Maîtrises (French four-year university degrees, corresponding to the first year of a Master's programme) in Business Law and Judicial Careers, as well as a Licence (Bachelor's degree) in Public International Law from the University of Lomé, Togo.
He also holds a Certificate in International Humanitarian Law and a Certificate in International Law and International Relations.
Professional Experience and Areas of Expertise
Mr Agbétsé specialises in human rights, including children's rights. He works in the field of human rights and children's rights diplomacy at the United Nations in Geneva, where he has represented international non-governmental organisations since 2004.
Working with and on behalf of human rights and children's rights organisations, he develops and implements capacity-building programmes in Geneva and in the field, as well as technical assistance, research and advocacy initiatives at national, regional and international levels.
He works with organisations in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.
His extensive knowledge of the international legal framework and international implementation mechanisms, together with his ability to engage with diplomatic missions, United Nations experts and other stakeholders, enables him to guide his partners in their advocacy and research activities and to produce numerous publications on human rights and children's rights issues.