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Experts on countries of origin by country

Bicaj, Luan

The Expert is a forensic document examiner (FDE) for official documents from Balkan countries (Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia,, Montenegro and Macedonia) and has worked extensively with notaries and courts in the region. He has collaborated with various organizations such as USAID, UNDP, GIZ, and others, indicating a strong background in project management, capacity-building, and support for local governance and reforms in post-conflict and developing areas.

Occupation: The expert has extensive experience in quality and strategic
management, public policy, stakeholder communication,
research, capacity building, workshop design and delivery,
project cycle management, log frame and train the trainer -
training; Experience in national and international consultancy
and training assignments; research, public policy
development, event organization; Comprehensive expertise
in migration, return, re-integration (IOM, UNHCR) and
humanitarian assistance (Red Cross, WFP, NATO).
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Dalakoglou, Professor Dimitris

Dimitris Dalakoglou is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is one of the top cited authors on Balkan studies and Eastern European studies. His research focuses on Albania and Greece and he has authored over a hundred publications including expert reports, book monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and documentary films. His research has been featured in several international media including the Guardian, Channel 4, Washington Times. He is a COI expert for Albania and Greece since 2014 in the Right to Exile Programme and has provided expertise reports since 2008.

Occupation: Professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Haxhixhemajli, Arta

The Expert has a diverse background in roles such as project management, program development, and research in international affairs. The expert’s current position as a Project Manager and Researcher reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact on regional and global development efforts with the specialism in Balkan affairs.

Occupation: The Expert is a former Project Manager for Western Balkans - Holds a Master Degree in International Relations and World Politics at the University of Pavia-Italy.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Czech Republic, India, Kosovo, Montenegro, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Serbia

Isufi, Dr. Fadil

Balkans Region Expert with twenty (20) years of experience in conflict, post-conflict and development context in Serbia and Kosovo. Highly experienced in the field of human rights, rule of law, democratization, empowering minorities, youth and women, gender based violence, and international humanitarian law

Occupation: The expert holds a PhD in Security from University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Bitola, Faculty of Security - Skopje, North Macedonia. Dissertation title “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national security of the Republic of Serbia with comparative analysis of neighboring countries”
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Kosumi, Vebi

International Lawyer (UK-based) and political scientist with comprehensive experience in research and Country of Origin reports. Research experience in international public law, international private law, terrorism, international human rights law, international relations, immigration law, OISC Accredited (2005-2012). Expertise in blood feuds, honour killing, human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, domestic violence, narcotics mafia, human and political rights abuse, opposition and political persecution, risk of return and brutal and degrading treatment and torture. Over two decades of experience working with migrants in the UK. Written over 250 expert reports for Immigration Tribunals, Extradition Courts and Criminal Courts (Crown Courts). Appeared as a witness expert in immigration tribunals, extradition, and criminal courts.

Providing expert reports for the Western Balkans, specialising in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia (Presevo Valley).

Occupation: International Lawyer with two decades of working experience with migrants in the UK. Over 250 expert reports were submitted.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Serbia (Presevo Valley)

Landesmann, Sonya

Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, specialising in issues relevant to various Muslim countries, incl vendettas, honour killing, domestic violence, PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome, assault in detention and traumas of migration and exile.

Occupation: Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Formerly taught English to speakers of other languages. Also worked for the Refugee Council, Goldsmiths’ College, and Nafsiyat Inter cultural Therapy Centre.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Iran, Iraq, Turkey

Mirtezani, Dr. Llokman

The Expert is a former Independent Contractor (political and media monitor/screener and translator) for the US Embassy in London. The Expert has held various roles in education and political monitoring, including serving as a Lecturer at the European College Dardania in Kosovo and working as an Independent Contractor for the US Embassy in London, showcasing his diverse professional experience in the field.

Occupation: The Expert is a Lecturer at the University for Business and Technology, Prishtina. The Expert holds a Ph.D. in European studies for integration (europeistics). PhD University of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Philosophy, European studies for integration - Skopje, Macedonia.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Mustafa, Dr. Ariana Qosaj

Occupation: University Lecturer/professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia

TOLAJ, ILIR

Occupation: University Lecturer/Professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo