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Experts on countries of origin by country

Aagard, Dr. Cynthia

Dr. Cynthia Aagard offers deep expertise on the structural failure of justice systems in post-conflict Latin America. Her unique combination of legal anthropology, field documentation, and regional litigation partnerships makes her a crucial voice in discussions around procedural invisibility and legal reform. Her work has helped define regional standards on gendered accountability, transitional reparations, and legal access for stateless and indigenous populations.

Occupation: Dr. Cynthia Aagard is a legal anthropologist specializing in
transitional justice, gender-based exclusion, and survivor rights
across Latin America. With nearly two decades of legal and
academic research experience, she has coordinated justice
access projects in over 20 countries, including Colombia,
Guatemala, Brazil, and Honduras. Her work interrogates how
formal legal systems exclude women, indigenous peoples, and
stateless claimants, especially in post-conflict or authoritarian
transition states. Fluent in Spanish and a skilled contributor to
regional litigation efforts, she is a vital expert on procedural
failure, legal invisibility, and community justice in Latin
America’s most contested legal terrains.
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela

Andrade, Dr Alejandro

Country Witness Expert on Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

► Get a Sample Report, Expert CV, and Free Consultation.
► Responds to inquiries within 1 hour and deliver reports within 1 week.
► Adheres to the minimum rate that meets Legal Aid requirements.

Expert at the international agency The Human Rights:
We provide expert witness reports for asylum cases worldwide, covering human rights violations, political persecution, and systemic oppression. Our reports are trusted by lawyers, courts, and immigration authorities in the UK, USA, Canada, and the EU.

Winner of the Expert Witness Awards in the category of Best Immigration, Asylum & Refugee Expert Witness 2024

Occupation: Country Witness Expert on Latin America and the Caribbean
Human Rights Specialist
Political and Legal Researcher
Regional Analyst on State Repression and Organised Violence
Countries of expertise: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela

Annoni, Danielle

Danielle Annoni is an associate professor of International Law and Human Rights at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR-Brazil), where she coordinates the Human Rights Observatory and Legal Practice in Human Rights and Migration. She has been conducting human rights research for 18 years. She is an educator, a mother and an active human rights defender, with a focus on migration, gender and the Latin American human rights protection system. Because of her work developed with vulnerable groups regarding the education of labor rights, the empowering of women through handicraft and gastronomy fairs, advocacy in the mediation of cultural conflicts, and access to justice and education, she has received several awards.

Occupation: International Migration Law Professor and legal consultant
Countries of expertise: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Venezuela

Barrondo, Astrid

Dr. Astrid Barrondo is a globally recognized expert in international human rights law and justice reform. With a Ph.D. and multiple postgraduate degrees from top European universities, she has led impactful legal, research, and advocacy initiatives across Latin America, Europe, and North America. From litigating landmark cases before the Inter-American Court to training government officials on anti-corruption strategies, Astrid has remained at the forefront of global justice advocacy. Her extensive publications and advisory work reflect her commitment to defending the rights of the most vulnerable, especially Indigenous peoples, women, and laborers. Fluent in Spanish and English, she is a powerhouse of legal intellect, human rights dedication, and cross-border collaboration.

Occupation: Dr. Astrid Barrondo is a seasoned international human rights
lawyer, researcher, and educator with over two decades of
experience in transitional justice, anti-corruption, indigenous
rights, and international criminal law. With a Ph.D. from
Universidad Carlos III of Madrid and multiple master’s degrees
in human rights and international law, Astrid has held key roles
in the Inter-American system, United Nations bodies, and
international NGOs. Her depth of expertise spans high-impact
litigation, legal advising, academic instruction, and technical
consultancy making her a globally respected voice on justice
reform, environmental accountability, and marginalized
communities’ rights.
Countries of expertise: Austria, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Finland, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, Netherlands, Peru, Spain, United States of America, Venezuela

Boesten, Jelke

Jelke Boesten is an interdisciplinary social scientist trained as a historian. She has 25 years of research experience in Peru, focusing on gender-based violence, women and the state/state policy, conflict-related sexual violence, and the internal armed conflict of the 1980s and 1990s.

Occupation: Professor of Gender and Development
Countries of expertise: Peru

Bussmann, Dr Gus

I am a Law and DEI expert with 15+ years of experience and intersectional background. I have presence on: Walpole, GQ Heroes, MBS & British Council of Fashion, Attitude Magazine, quoted by Vogue Business and Boston Consultancy Group. I teach at Instituto Marangoni and have extensive experience in: LGBTQ+ Rights, Human Rights in Latin America, Political Landscape of Brazil and Latin American Countries, Law and Politics. 

Occupation: Expert in Human Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights and Latin American Countries.
DEI consultant
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Christian, Dr. Patrick James

Dr. Christian is a psychoanalytical anthropologist of violent ethnic & cultural conflict in Eurasia, South Asia, Middle East, Central and South America, West Africa, North Africa and the Horn of Africa with experience working in military, diplomatic, and humanitarian interventions in intra-state violent conflicts. 

Occupation: Psychoanalytical Anthropologist
Countries of expertise: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Ecuador, Estonia, Georgia, Iran, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine

Fernandez, Professor Julian

The expert is an experienced academic, researcher, and consultant specializing in social sciences, law, international relations, and peace studies. Expertise in territorial inequalities, peacebuilding, criminality, and international drug control policies.

Occupation: The expert is an experienced faculty member and researcher specializing in social sciences, law, and international relations. The expert has extensive background in academia. His research expertise encompasses territorial peace, international conventions, and drug trafficking. Adept at coordinating research projects and contributing to collaborative initiatives on territorial inequalities and peace studies.
Countries of expertise: Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela

Garmendia, Isidora J. Ramírez

Isidora J. Ramírez Garmendia is a transnational legal and advocacy leader with an outstanding track record in human rights, sustainability, and grassroots empowerment. Her experience ranges from directing NGOs and legal firms to shaping policy at local and international levels, all while championing Indigenous rights, climate resilience, and equity. With multilingual fluency, cross-continental networks, and a proven ability to drive legal, institutional, and social change, Isidora is exceptionally well-positioned for roles in international justice, humanitarian governance, or global policy development.

Occupation: Isidora J. Ramírez Garmendia is a Chilean-Spanish lawyer and
internationally recognized expert in human rights, democracy, and
international justice, with over 17 years of experience across Latin
America, the Caribbean, Europe, and North Africa. She holds a
PhD (in progress) and Master’s in Human Rights and International
Justice from Universitat de València and is the founder of the
global NGO We Through the Wall. Isidora has led multidisciplinary
teams, advised municipalities and private sectors, and
spearheaded legal advocacy in areas including Indigenous rights, climate change, rural development, and digital inclusion. Her work is grounded in deep ethical commitment and intercultural leadership, aligning legal expertise with… Read more
Countries of expertise: Algeria, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, Spain

Harding, Robert

Dr. Harding earned a Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Miami with specializations in Latin American Politics, Foreign Policy Analysis, and International Relations. His major professor and dissertation chair was the late Dr. Enrique Baloyra, a renowned Cuba-born scholar. Dr. Harding has held full-time academic appointments in Virginia, Alabama, and most recently Georgia, where he is the Professor of Political Science at Valdosta State University. He is the author of three books and several book chapters as well as over a dozen journal articles. Dr. Harding has been an invited presenter on Latin American politics in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He has been a federally recognized asylum expert since 2018, working for asylum attorneys throughout the United States as well as the UK and and the Netherlands.

Occupation: Professor of Political Science
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Llewellyn, Robin

Robin Llewellyn is a natural communicator with a gift for amplifying marginalized voices. With over a decade of experience as a journalist and media strategist, he has not only reported on human rights abuses but actively helped shape narratives for indigenous and environmental defenders. His cross-cultural communication, creative storytelling, and policy-savvy writing make him a powerful bridge between communities and decision-makers. Robin doesn’t just tell stories, he helps people be heard. He would be a valuable addition to any team seeking clarity, compassion, and compelling communication.

Occupation: Robin Llewellyn is a seasoned communications specialist and
award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience giving
voice to underrepresented communities. His work spans human
rights journalism in Latin America, cultural program coordination
across Europe, and public policy communication for governments
and NGOs. Robin’s storytelling spans formats- radio, print, social
media, and strategic publications and he’s been published in
outlets like The Economist and Le Monde Diplomatique. His
bilingual training in journalism and human rights, paired with
global fieldwork, makes him a compelling
advocate for justice through narrative.
Countries of expertise: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Peru, Rwanda, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Miñambres, Ignacio J.

Occupation: Ignacio J. Miñambres is an experienced international trade,
economic development, and private sector competitiveness
specialist with more than 15 years of experience supporting
trade facilitation, value chain development, and market access
initiatives. He has delivered advisory services, research, and
technical assistance for international organizations,
governments, and the private sector, including work with the
EU, World Bank, and regional development agencies. Ignacio
Miñambres combines strong analytical skills and practical field
knowledge to design and implement programs that foster
economic growth, regional integration, and SME
competitiveness in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Countries of expertise: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Spain, Vietnam

Olmedo, Diego Robles

The Expert is the National Coordinator at Foundacion Scalabrini de Mexico (FSMX) NGO, leading a dedicated team of 50 professionals across Mexico in designing and executing impactful projects focused on migration, human trafficking, and children's rights in Central America. Throughout the years the expert has demonstrated expertise with federal, state, and international entities, including IOM, UNCHR, UNICEF and various embassies. The expert also works as University Professor at Universidad del Valle de Mexico, the expert delivers insightful instruction on strategic planning and international relations. He has held roles at the UNDP and the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin (U.S) which reflect a comprehensive skill set in advocacy, and bilateral relations, making a significant impact in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

Occupation: The expert is highly experienced and versatile professional with a strong background and advocacy within the realm of migration, human trafficking, and human rights. Proficient in designing, coordinating, and supervising projects within the NGO sector aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, particularly migrants and refugees. Adept at leading and managing teams to achieve set objectives and deliver results in line with donor requirements. Experienced university professor with a focus on strategic planning, international relations, and diplomatic affairs. The expert has extensive experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, including roles within the United Nations system, diplomatic missions, and private sector entities.
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

Pacifico, Andrea Pacheco

Dr. Pacifico has been an international lawyer since 1993, with expertise in International Human Rights Law, particularly human rights of refugees and forced migrants, since 1997. She has been an associate professor for Law and International Relations at Maceio, Brasilia, and Joao Pessoa universities since 1997.  She has taught International Law/Relations, Human Rights, and Refugee and Migration Issues for more than two decades. Dr. Pacifico has also presented seminars, given lectures and interviews, published papers, supervised theses and dissertations on these issues, and my own research principally focuses on human rights of legal minorities and human rights protections of refugees and legal minorities in Brazil and abroad.

Currently, Dr. Pacifico is a full-time associate professor in International Relations at Paraiba State University and a full-time collaborator/researcher at the Post-Graduate Program in Comparative Studies on the Americas, at University of Brasilia, both in Brazil, in addition to being a Senior Research Associate at the Refugee Law Initiative at University of London, UK. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the York University Centre for Refugee Studies, Canada (2009 to 2010), visiting research fellow at the Refugee Studies… Read more

Occupation: Professor
Countries of expertise: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Venezuela

Parent, Dr Nicolas

Dr. Nicolas Parent is a Part-time Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, and Junior Research Fellow at the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa, Wilfrid Laurier University. Drawing on the disciplines of anthropology, geography, political science, and law, he examines the cultural, spatial, and politico-legal dimensions of persecution and discrimination. He has conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Peru, Rwanda, and Turkey, producing original research and providing consulting services in the areas of migration policy, refugee rights, and integration.

As a practitioner, Dr. Parent has taken on active roles in several organizations, including the Association for Solidarity with Refugees, the International Refugee Rights Initiative, Watch The Med, and Columbia University’s Teachers for Teachers Initiative. He is also founder of Praxis Initiative and the Observatory for Human Rights and Forced Migrants in Turkey. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Montreal-based The Refugee Centre.

Occupation: Part-time Professor
Countries of expertise: Canada, Peru, Rwanda, Turkey

Tushar, Md Solaiman

The Expert is a Barrister-at-Law of England and Wales. The Expert is a practicing Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He holds the position of Head of Chambers at "LexAria and Jurists" (link : https://lexariaandjurists.com/) , and President at "Justice for All', with nearly a decade's experience in legal practice. The expert regularly moves before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for various matters including Writ (Judicial Review), Criminal and Civil Appeal and Revision, Bail Petition, Intellectual Property, Company Matter, Inheritance, Public Interest Litigation, Muslim Personal Law, Succession Law, Hindu Law, etc.

As a practicing Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the expert is legally qualified to verify any legal documents including case, GD, judgments and other relevant documents, and check records from the government office of Bangladesh including Courts and Tribunals unless restricted by the law or relevant office. 

Parallel to his legal pursuits, the expert is the Legal Affairs and Political Editor of The Daily Campus and columnist. Accumulatively, he possesses over 18 years of sustained experience as a Journalist in Bangladesh, having written extensively on a broad range of issues, including human rights, the criminal justice… Read more

Occupation: Barrister-at-Law, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Researcher, Journalist, and Columnist.
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe