Michael G. Wessells

Dr. Michael G. Wessells, a Professor in the Program on Forced Migration and Health at Columbia University, is a renowned psychosocial and child protection practitioner with decades of experience in humanitarian and development settings across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As the author of "Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection" and former Co-Chair of the IASC Task Force on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, Wessells has significantly shaped the field of child protection in conflict zones. His research focuses on the holistic impacts of war and political violence on children, emphasizing community-led approaches to child protection. Currently leading multi-country action research on community-led child protection in Sierra Leone, Kenya, and India, Wessells regularly advises UN agencies, governments, and donors on these critical issues. His work prioritizes children's voice and agency, community resilience, prevention, and critical reflection in child protection efforts. At Columbia, Wessells teaches "Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings," sharing his vast experience and insights with the next generation of humanitarian workers and researchers.