Skip to main content

Experts on countries of origin by country

Christian, Dr. Patrick James

Dr. Christian is a psychoanalytical anthropologist with a doctorate in violent ethnic & cultural conflict. He has spent the past 36-years researching and practicing in Eurasia, Southwest Asia, Middle East, Central and South America, West Africa, North Africa and the Horn of Africa. His field work was in support of military, diplomatic, and humanitarian interventions in violent intra-state conflicts. He is a member of the American Anthropological Association’s Society for Psychological Anthropology and the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, Race, Conflict, & Violence.

Dr. Christian’s expertise is derived through a combination of academic training and extensive field work and is best described as the ‘application of psychoanalytical sociological analysis using anthropological methodology to curate the science to a specific subject community’s emic or lived/living experiences both mentally and emotionally.’ This level of analytical research allows him to illuminate the underlying psychosocial-emotional motivations of individual and collective behaviour post-mortem to, and predictive of, violent conflict.

Clinical research, analysis, & training into the psychopathology of… Read more
Occupation: Field Research Social Scientist
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Chad, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Latvia, Lithuania, Mali, Moldova, Niger, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen

Dalakoglou, Professor Dimitris

Dimitris Dalakoglou is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is a widely cited scholar on Balkan studies. His research focuses on Albania and Greece, and he has authored more than one hundred publications, including expert reports, book monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and documentary films. His work has been featured in several international media outlets, including the BBC, The Guardian, Channel 4, and The Washington Times. He has served for several years as a Country of Origin Information (COI) expert on Albania and Greece and has provided expert evidence in a number of legal cases in the United Kingdom and the United States, including country guidance cases before the Upper Tribunal.

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

Helajzen, N'Deane

N'Deane Helajzen is a Serbian-Australian anthropologist and leading expert in human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, with a particular focus on conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, international humanitarian law, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), ethnic conflict, and genocide. She is the founder and director of Ethnovision, a storytelling agency based between Belgrade and Sarajevo, dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities.

With over 25 years of experience, N'Deane has worked in 32 countries—primarily post-conflict regions across the Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe. Her expertise spans advising governments, multilateral agencies, and international organisations on refugee issues, minority rights, and inter-ethnic relations, offering practical, strategic insights informed by years of hands-on experience.

N'Deane has also contributed expert country reports for asylum and immigration cases, specialising in LGBTQI+ rights, political oppression, social discrimination, human trafficking, and sexual and gender-based violence. Her reports have been instrumental in successful refugee claims from the former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and… Read more

Occupation: Anthropologist
Countries of expertise: Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Ghana, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Papua New Guinea, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam

Istrefi, Artina

With a robust foundation in international relations, law, and political science, I am a distinguished expert witness specializing in Balkan affairs. My career is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding the intricate geopolitical dynamics and legal frameworks that shape this vibrant region. My academic pursuits culminated in a prestigious certification in Law from the University of Oxford, where I honed my expertise in international law, human rights, and cross-border legal issues. Professionally, I have collaborated with NATO on defense and international policy initiatives, providing valuable insights into Balkan geopolitics. My participation in European Union election conferences has allowed me to engage in high-level discussions on the political shifts affecting the region. Additionally, my roles as a Leasing Administrator and Legal Advisor have equipped me with practical experience in legal documentation and corporate governance. Driven by a passion for advancing understanding in the complex political landscape of the Balkans, I leverage my extensive education and practical experience to provide expert testimony and consultancy in this dynamic field.

Occupation: With a robust foundation in international relations, law, and political science, I am a distinguished expert witness specializing in Balkan affairs. My career is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding the intricate geopolitical dynamics and legal frameworks that shape this vibrant region. My academic pursuits culminated in a prestigious certification in Law from the University of Oxford, where I honed my expertise in international law, human rights, and cross-border legal issues. Professionally, I have collaborated with NATO on defense and international policy initiatives, providing valuable insights into Balkan geopolitics. My participation in European Union election conferences has allowed me to engage in high-level discussions on the political shifts affecting the region.… Read more
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Kosumi, Vebi

International Lawyer, LLB/LLM (UK-based). An accomplished legal professional educated at the University of Prishtina and the University of Kent, specialising in International Law and International Relations, as well as a political scientist with extensive experience in research and Country of Origin reports. Over twenty years of experience working with migrants in the UK. Research expertise in international public law, private law, terrorism, international human rights law, international relations, and immigration law. Certified by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration services from 2005 to 2012. Skilled in issues such as blood feuds, honour killings, human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, domestic violence, narcotics organisations, human and political rights abuses, opposition and political persecution, risk of return, as well as brutal and degrading treatment and torture. Authored over 300 expert reports for Immigration Tribunals, Extradition Courts, and Crown Courts. Has appeared as an expert witness in immigration tribunals, extradition cases, and criminal courts. Member of the Academy of Experts since 2020. Awarded by Acquisition International as ‘Best Southeast Europe Country of Origin Reports Specialist 2024… Read more

Occupation: International Lawyer
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Presheva Valley, Serbia

Memeti, Zeqir

I am a legal adviser and expert witness with extensive experience in immigration and asylum cases in the United States and the United Kingdom. I prepare detailed, independent reports assessing country conditions, credibility, and risk on return. My work supports courts and legal teams, and I have provided both written reports and oral testimony. I focus on delivering objective, well researched analysis to assist fair decision making.

Occupation: I am a legal adviser and expert witness working across complex cases
in both the United States and the United Kingdom. My work sits at the
intersection of immigration law, human rights, and country conditions
analysis, where I provide independent, evidence-based opinions to
support courts, tribunals, and legal representatives. Over the years, I
have contributed to a wide range of cases involving asylum seekers,
refugees, and individuals facing removal. I specialize in preparing
detailed immigration and asylum reports that assess credibility, risk on
return, and the broader political and social context of applicants’
countries of origin. My reports are grounded in extensive research,
including legal frameworks… Read more
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Romania, Serbia (Presevo Valley)

Mirtezani, Dr. A. Llokman

The Expert is a former Independent Contractor for the U.S. Embassy in London, specializing in political and media monitoring, screening, and translation. With a background that includes roles in both administration and education, the Expert has also served as a Lecturer at university colleges in Kosovo. His career reflects a broad range of experience in political monitoring and related fields. As a country of origin expert witness, he has authored over 100 expert reports in the past four years and brings 23 years of professional experience to the role.

Occupation: The Expert is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor/the academic title)/in charge for the MA programme in Public Policies and Management at the University for Business and Technology, Prishtina. The Expert holds a Ph.D. in European studies for integration (europeistics) from the University of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Philosophy, European studies for integration, 2012 - Skopje, Macedonia.

As a political/media analyst covers a wide range of issues including domestic politics in the Western Balkans countries, Integration to the EU, geo-politics, etc.

As a country of origin expert witness has drafted/written over 100 expert reports in the last four years.

23 years of experience.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Radeljic, Branislav

Dr. Branislav Radeljic is a professor, consultant, and expert witness, focusing on European and Middle Eastern political and socioeconomic developments. He lectured for many years in the United Kingdom and, more recently, he has held professorships in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, he has held visiting appointments at Nebrija University in Madrid, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Michigan and the University of Pittsburgh. 

Dr. Radeljic has conducted research and provided specialized services to a broad range of clients, including government entities and non-governmental stakeholders. His work has involved thorough evaluations of governance regimes, institutional transparency and accountability, and prospects for increased citizen participation. He has conducted in-depth analyses of risk and conflict management, identifying effective strategies for mitigation and resolution. His expertise extends to examining regional cooperation initiatives and the roles of international organizations in facilitating collaborative efforts across borders.

Occupation:
Countries of expertise: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

Sabani, Juris Doctor (JD) Nexhmedin

A distinguished legal expert, advisor, and former judge with extensive experience in international diplomacy, public administration, and government tenders within the Balkans region. A former advisor to the office of the President and a legal consultant for major governmental and international organizations, the expert brings unparalleled expertise in navigating the complexities of the Balkan legal and political landscapes. The expert’s career is defined by his leadership in high-level negotiations, capacity-building for public institutions, and contributions to the stabilization and development of the region.

Occupation: Your Occupation: As an authoritative expert in Balkan legal affairs, capable of advising both local governments and international organizations on critical issues of governance, law, and regional stability. With his deep ties to the international community, extensive legal background, and proven success in tendering and post-conflict reconstruction, the expert is well-placed as a leader in the region’s legal, governmental, and diplomatic initiatives.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia