Experts on countries of origin by country

Ibrahim Bangura has worked extensively in the fields of Transitional Justice, Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants, Security Sector Reform, Sustainable Livelihoods, Gender and Conflict Resolution in Africa.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from University of Sierra Leone; another Master’s degree in International Development Studies from the University of Amsterdam; and a Doctorate degree in Economics from the Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Germany.

He currently lectures at the Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and he is also a senior partner at Transition International, a consultancy firm based in the Netherlands.

Anita Natascia Bernacchia is a highly accomplished European affairs journalist, multilingual communicator, and regional political analyst whose work spans the intersection of EU policy, Eastern European politics, and public diplomacy. Based in Brussels and fluent in six languages, she has built a career that blends institutional communications at the highest levels of European Commission, Council of the EU, and Committee of the Regions with frontline journalism focused on Romania, Moldova, and minority politics in post-socialist Europe. Her ability to translate complex political developments into accessible narratives, both for general audiences and institutional stakeholders, makes her a rare and valuable contributor to public discourse. Anita’s journalism is marked by clarity, precision, and cultural depth, while her translation and interpretation work with EU institutions reflects a high level of technical and linguistic expertise. Her cross-sector career makes her an ideal candidate for any role requiring deep regional knowledge, media fluency, and European institutional experience.

David Rodriguez Cano is an emerging legal thinker whose passion for justice and human rights translates into impactful research and advocacy. His work with Colombia’s transitional justice system, combined with his deep dive into social housing and environmental rights, shows both intellectual depth and realworld awareness. Fluent in four languages and trained in comparative law, David brings a global lens to complex legal issues. He is collaborative, driven, and poised to make meaningful contributions to any legal, research, or policy team focused on human dignity and sustainable governance.

Dr. Ecke’s work has been informed by years of experiences conducting research for organizations in Africa, with extended stays of conducting qualitative research in African countries (Liberia, Ghana and South Sudan), the Middle East, the US and Europe. Given the breadth and depth of these experiences, he has gathered invaluable experiences in assessing the situation of forced migrants in their country of origin (post-return), as well as in host-countries in western countries and Africa. The professional experiences in areas of conflict (South Sudan and very briefly, Iraq) and Liberia, a post-conflict society, has given him an acute appreciation of the risks that displaced populations face. They have also compelled him to widely publish on conflict-dynamics in countries of origin. Dr. Ecke hopes to enhance understanding of conflicts and displacement to improve policies and address their underlying structural causes.

Will Jones is a British academic who has been working on Central and Southern Africa, with a specialization in asylum, since 2007. He received his doctorate on refugees in Central Africa, particularly Rwanda, from the University of Oxford, where he later became a Departmental Lecturer in the Politics of Asylum at Oxford’s Refugee Studies Centre. He has also served as an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen’s Centre for Excellence in Global Mobility Law and is currently an Associate Professor at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Dr. Basem Mahmud is a Syrian-Spanish sociologist specializing in emotions, forced migration, and post-conflict recovery, with deep expertise in Syria’s social and cultural contexts. Born and raised in Syria, his lived experience enriches his academic and applied research, providing nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations. He holds a PhD in Sociology, supported by a DAAD fellowship, and was awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship for postdoctoral research on refugee labor and structural inequalities in the global economy. His work bridges academic research and practical field applications through partnerships with international organizations, civil society, and research institutes. He focuses on key issues such as transitional justice, civic engagement, community resilience, victim-centered documentation, and social reconstruction in Syria and similar post-conflict settings. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Spanish, Dr. Basem Mahmud combines advanced qualitative and mixed-methods research skills with deep contextual knowledge. He is committed to collaborating on evidence-based projects that foster social transformation and sustainable recovery. Clients can expect strategic research insights, expert project leadership,… Read more

Dr. Rano Turaeva-Höhne brings a rare combination of academic excellence and hands-on field expertise across post-Soviet, Central Asian, and conflict-affected regions. Her fluency in multiple languages and deep cultural insight make her exceptionally effective in navigating complex socio-political landscapes. With over 200 expert reports, a rich portfolio of publications in leading journals, and a strong record in policy advisory and teaching, she delivers both analytical depth and actionable solutions. Her work on migration, identity, and informal economies is internationally recognized and directly informs policy and practice. Dr. Turaeva is not only a subject-matter expert but also a dynamic and reliable professional who adds strategic value to any team. She would be an outstanding asset to any organization looking for deep regional knowledge, intellectual rigor, and real-world impact.

Dr. Hanna Vasilevich is a researcher and academic currently based at the International Centre for Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity Studies in Prague, where she serves as Board Chair. Dr. Vasilevich has been a Visiting Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, UK, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the Law & Anthropology Department of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle/Saale, Germany. Before she worked at the European Centre for Minority Studies (Germany) and taught in a number of Universities in Czechia and Germany. 

Carlos Treviño Vives is a deeply experienced legal expert and human rights defender who has contributed significantly to Mexico’s justice reform and human rights architecture. His career spans the highest levels of public service, NGO leadership, and litigation across Mexico’s courts and the Inter-American system. As a thought leader and author, he has shaped policy discourse on forced disappearance, environmental rights, and community media. Fluent in legal systems and civic engagement, Carlos continues to drive impact through both institutional channels and grassroots platforms. His commitment to justice, backed by intellectual rigor and legal innovation, makes him a standout expert in human rights advocacy in Latin America.