Former refugee and human rights lawyer elected as Edinburgh University rector
A former refugee has been named the new rector of Edinburgh University.
Human rights lawyer Debora Kayembe came to the UK from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has been living in Scotland since 2011.
Ms Kayembe will take up the role on March 1, becoming the first person of colour to do so since it was created in 1858.
She will be just the third woman to hold the position, following in the footsteps of Muriel Gray and outgoing rector Ann Henderson.
Ms Kayembe has served on the board of the Scottish Refugee Council and is a member of the office of the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Court Bar Association.
In 2019, her portrait was hung on the wall of the Royal Society of Edinburgh – the first African to receive this honour – for her achievements and contributions.
Ms Kayembe said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to be elected as the first person of colour to hold the position of rector of the University of Edinburgh.
“I am fully aware of the importance of my role at such a critical time.
“We are facing so many challenges: from the Covid-19 pandemic to the battles for racial justice and the reckoning from the past in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the birth of the Black Lives Matter m ovement.
“Respect for the values of humanity and kindness lies at the heart of all my work and I look forward to working with staff, students, and the whole university community, to ensure that everyone is valued.”
Addressing her followers on
Twitter, Ms Kayembe said she was “deeply honoured” to be elected to the position, adding: “Thank you for all messages of love and sympathy.”
University of Edinburgh principal and vice-chancellor Professor Peter Mathieson said: “I am delighted to welcome Ms Kayembe to the University of Edinburgh.
“The position of rector has a long and prestigious lineage, with rectors coming from a broad range of public and cultural life. I very much look forward to working with our new rector as we navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic and build a bright future for the entire university community.”
The position of rector at the University of Edinburgh was originally created in the 19th century by the Universities Scotland Act 1858.
The role was initially filled by eminent politicians and military figures, including former prime ministers Winston Churchill and William Gladstone.
More recently, the rectors have come from across Scotland's public and cultural life.
They included TV presenter Muriel Gray and the first Green politician Robin Harper MSP.
Debora Kayembe's appointment makes her the 54th person to hold the post.
The main role of the rector is to preside at the University Court, which is the university's governing body.
They also chair meetings of the General Council in absence of the Chancellor and work closely with students.