Biography of Ishmael Beah (1980-)

Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. His childhood was disrupted by the uprising incited by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and his eventual drafting into the Sierra Leonean army at the age of twelve. He served four years in the military, witnessing live combat that many adults never encounter.

He was pulled from military service by The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and given a chance at a new life with his uncle. Beah was later chosen as one of two children to represent Sierra Leone at the United Nations First International Children's Parliament. His heartfelt account of the violence he faced and his testimony of the existence of thousands of children like him moved the UN. Laura Simms, a member of the UN, eventually adopted Beah as her son. It was at this point, in 1998, that he moved to New York City. Beah is a graduate of the United Nations International School and Oberlin College.

Beah is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Division Advisory Committee and has spoken often to various governmental bodies about the plight of children affected by war. He is also the head of the Ishmael Beah Foundation, dedicated to helping former child soldiers find new lives by reintegrating into society. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.