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Experts on countries of origin by country

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

Oppong, Dr Nelson

Academic and international development consultant with expertise around the cross-cutting themes of violence, extremism, anti-corruption, human rights, elections natural resources, poverty, community development, and risks.

Occupation: Lecturer and International Development Consultant
Countries of expertise: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cameroon, Caribbean, Cote d`Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda

ORDÓÑEZ, TSÁITAMI

Legal professional with extensive experience in human rights advocacy across Latin America. Skilled in researching political prisoners' profiles, supporting UN actions, and drafting legal documents. Proficient in transitional justice processes and gender equality initiatives. Experienced in roles at prestigious organizations such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations. Committed to advancing justice, equality, and human rights protections.

Occupation: A motivated lawyer specialized in human rights and women's rights with experience in international litigation at the Inter-American and Universal Human Rights Systems. Enthusiastic eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational and communication skills. Extensive background in supporting international bodies such as the United Nations and the Inter-American human rights system. Passionate about promoting gender equality and justice.
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago

Paarlberg, Michael Ahn

Central & South American Expert - Political Scientist and Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, this expert focuses on diaspora politics and immigration issues. They have a rich background in both academic research and practical policy, having advised on foreign policy during the 2020 Bernie Sanders campaign. Their insights on labor and immigration have been featured in prominent publications, showcasing their expertise in these critical areas. Recognized for their impactful scholarship, they continue to influence discussions on transnational political dynamics and community engagement.

Occupation: An accomplished political scientist and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, this expert specializes in the intersections of political behavior, diaspora politics, and immigration policy. With a Ph.D. in Political Science from Georgetown University, their dissertation focused on diaspora outreach by Latin American parties.
Their professional experience encompasses both academia and practical politics, having served as the chief foreign policy adviser for Latin America on Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. They are also an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and have extensive field experience as an election monitor for the Organization of American States in Brazil, El Salvador, and Colombia.
This expert has contributed to major publications, including The Guardian and Washington City Paper, focusing on labor and immigration policy. Their research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, addressing topics such as sanctuary policies, transnational gangs, and the influence of diaspora communities on electoral campaigns. Their scholarly work has received recognition, including an honorable mention from the American Political Science Association.
Countries of expertise: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Latin America

Panjwani, Dr Imranali

Dr. Imranali Panjwani is the Head of Diverse Legal Consulting, UK (www.diverselegal.com) and a Lecturer in Law at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Essex. He has the unique combination of being a lawyer and academic having lived and worked in the UK, Middle East and Australia. His country expert reports draw upon primary country and theological sources with stringent analysis of evidence, law and language. He resides in the UK.

Occupation: Head of Diverse Legal Consulting, UK & Lecturer in Law at Anglia Ruskin University
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Gaza Strip, India, Iran, Iraq, Iraq (Kurdistan Regional Government), Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, West Bank, Yemen

Panzarelli, Dinolis Alexandra

Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at The New School for Social Research with 15 years of professional and academic experience in media, politics, and human rights. Skilled in international affairs, media monitoring, political analysis and consultation, and democracy and governance. Extensive knowledge of key political actors, civil society, and social impact program investors in the Latin American region.  Author of several articles on human rights, elections, populism, and social movements. Professor of Political Science and researcher. I possess extensive expertise in Venezuelan political affairs, both as a local and as an expert in the field. With over 15 years of experience working in human rights and the political landscape of the country, I have developed a deep understanding of its complexities. Additionally, my expertise in Guyana, Bolivia and Ecuador stems from my role as a Program Manager for the International Republican Institute and Political advisor for Canada respectively, where I collaborated with scholars, NGOs, and human rights activists. This experience provided me with valuable insights into human rights, legal issues, and their political implications.

Occupation: Adjunct Professor/Researcher
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela

Parent, Dr Nicolas

The Expert 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, the expert 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

Pargeter, Alison

The Expert is a North Africa and Middle East specialist and has produced over 400 expert witness reports for the UK courts across a range of countries including Libya, Iraq (including KRI), Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. The Expert has also served as an expert witness in several terrorism related cases in the UK, US and Ireland; as an expert witness in a Libyan case at the Commercial Division of the UK’s High Court; and as a country guidance expert on Libya in the UK courts (2017). The Expert has also carried out numerous linguistic and nationality assessments and provides translation services (Arabic-English). 

Occupation: Senior Visiting Fellow, Kings College London and Senior Associate, Menas Associates.
Countries of expertise: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iraq (Kurdistan Regional Government), Libya, Tunisia

Parsfield, Matthew

The Expert is an academic researcher and independent consultant whose expertise ranges from the study of Vietnamese and South East Asian socio-political issues to global labour exploitation and migrant workers' rights.

Occupation: Academic, social researcher and independent consultant.
Countries of expertise: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam

Phelps, Dr. Sandra

The Expert is a Gender & Social Inclusion International Development specialist across multiple global south countries - She holds a Ph.D. in Gender & Postcolonial Studies, University of Sydney, Australia, 2005.

The Expert is an experienced senior consultant and academic with 15+ years in educational program design and management across humanitarian and development sectors, including democracy, education, civil society, and government collaboration in diverse global regions. Her expertise in creating effective development programs with a focus on inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.

Occupation: The Expert is a Gender & Social Inclusion International Development specialist across multiple global south countries - She holds a Ph.D. in Gender & Postcolonial Studies, University of Sydney, Australia, 2005.
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Australia, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia

Prosnitz, Beth

Dr. Beth Prosnitz is a sociologist with over ten years’ experience in applied research. She is an expert on gender, development, land tenure, and peacebuilding Nepal. Her work has been published in edited volumes and high-impact journals, including the Journal of Peasant Studies. Dr. Prosnitz is passionate about using her knowledge to advance equitable societies. Currently, she teaches at Diablo Valley College, and also works part-time as Research and Evaluation Manager for the Curry Senior Center in San Francisco.

Occupation: Sociologist
Countries of expertise: India, Nepal

Puri, Mr. Shantanu Mohan

Area of expertise: The Expert, who is based in India, has served as an expert witness for over 20 years and prepared numerous expert reports/opinions on a range of issues for Legal Practitioners, Barristers, Solicitors, Attorneys, Tribunals and Courts including (but not limited to) those on Indian Laws on Citizenship and Nationality, The Indian Visa regime and OCI cards, Issues faced by a British national married to an Indian spouse on being relocated to India, Internal relocation, Treatment of minorities in India including Muslims, Christians and those from other religions, Rise of Hindu fundamentalism in India, Extradition proceedings from the UK to India, Legal issues concerning Law and Society in India, Mirror orders, Matrimonial proceedings, Interpretation of statutes, Bigamy, Single parent custody, Property and asset valuation, Official and personal/customary laws of India on marriage, divorce and adoption, Status of religious/ethnic minorities, Status of single and divorced women in India, Laws applicable to Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, Implications of foreign court orders before Indian courts, effecting warrant and summon service, Ground investigation and verification work done to check the veracity of Indian documents and claims of asylum applicants in the UK,… Read more

Occupation: Advocate in the Indian Judicial System since 1999.
Countries of expertise: India

Qirez, Professor Arben

The Chief Political Adviser to the Former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Professor Qirezi has contributed to various international projects, such as the Human Security in the Balkans initiative, funded by the European Union, showcasing their commitment to regional stability and development. Their research interests extend to power-sharing systems and the dynamics of post-conflict reconstruction, with published works in reputable academic presses. The expert has also engaged in public policy training for organizations like the National Democratic Institute and the OSCE, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing democratic governance. Additionally, they have experience in media, having worked as a columnist and journalist, which complements their analytical skills in political communication. Their extensive involvement in both academia and practical governance positions them as a well-rounded authority in political science and international relations.

Occupation: The expert holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Galway, with a focus on post-war Kosovo, and has extensive academic experience as an Assistant Professor and Senior Lecturer at various institutions in Kosovo, teaching courses in political theory, comparative politics, and public administration. Their professional background includes significant roles in government, such as Chief Political Adviser to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, where they managed policy coordination with international stakeholders and contributed to Kosovo's final status negotiations. Additionally, they have served as a researcher and political analyst for numerous organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, focusing on issues such as violent extremism, electoral systems, and democratic governance. Their work has been published in various academic and policy-oriented platforms, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in political science and international relations.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia

Radeljic, Prof. Branislav

The Expert is a seasoned professional, focusing on European and Middle Eastern political and socioeconomic developments. He has a BA from the University of Rome La Sapienza, two MA degrees from the Free University of Brussels, and a PhD from the University of London. 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. 

The Expert 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… Read more

Occupation: Professor, Consultant, Board Member, Expert Witness, and Policy Analyst
Countries of expertise: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

Rahimi, Sadeq

The Expert’s research and publication interests have covered diverse aspects of culture, health and subjectivity ranging from collective self-esteem and perception of racism to schizophrenia and culture, political subjectivity, radicalization, clinical trials, behavioral economics, and artificial intelligence.

Occupation: Anthropologist, psychotherapist
Countries of expertise: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Canada, France, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America

Ranjan, Rakesh

Dr Ranjan is a Sociologist specialising in responsible recruitment, migrant rights, and social policy advocacy across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf with extensive experience in human rights, migration, and labor issues. Currently, serving as the South Asia Regional Coordinator for the Institute for Human Rights and Business, focusing on the Migrant Workers Programme and the Responsible Recruitment Register. As a Country of Origin Expert, provides in-depth reports on human rights challenges in multiple countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Holds part-time roles as a Senior Research Fellow at both the International Institute for Migration and Development and the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism, contributing to project implementation and strategic development. Formerly an Assistant Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, where key projects on labor migration were led. Proficient in various research methodologies and data analysis tools, with advanced skills in documentation, presentation, and video editing software. Committed to addressing complex human rights issues, including discrimination, trafficking, and safe migration practices.

Occupation: The expert is a sociologist specializing in responsible
recruitment, migrant rights, and social policy advocacy across
South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf. With over a decade
of experience, Dr. Ranjan excels in stakeholder management
and collaborates closely with governments, NGOs, and
international bodies to address critical issues such as fair
recruitment practices, workplace discrimination, and migrant
workers' rights.
Countries of expertise: Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Qatar, Singapore

Rashti, Samim

Former practising solicitor in Iran with expertise of the Iranian legal and court system and Iranian documents. Fluent in Farsi.

The Expert does authenticate, Iranian Birth certificate, National ID card, ID card, Driving licence, Military service card, insurance book

Doubted Iranian nationality by Home office (they have asked 100 easy questions about Iran, the city he lived, food price, petrol price, money, rent, houses, address, school, mosque, bridge, street, river, mountain, park, taxi fare, taxi colour, football team, Emam of mosque, cemetery,  cars made in Iran….,

Percentage of genuine or fake documents The Expert reported

From 2013 to 2022, (they received 238 cases) more than 62% of case or documents I reported were negative or fake. Less than 38% were genuine.

From 2015 to 2022, they receive 46 ID cards or birth certificates, 38 fake, just 8 genuine, 83% fake, 17% genuine.

From 2013 to 2020, they intertwined 10 cases (their nationality was doubted by Home office), in two cases, The Expert confirm their nationality as Iranian, and in 10 cases, they refuse them.

In two case they insisted they are Iranian, and The Expert has sent a lawyer (my colleague in Iran) to their village to investigate about them, and they… Read more

Occupation: Former Iranian lawyer
Countries of expertise: Iran

Reed, Christian

The Expert is a Medical Anthropologist and Epidemiologist who specializes in sub-Saharan and East Africa. He has extensive research experience in Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia and speaks Portuguese, Swahili, Lunda-Ndembu, and Bemba. His single-authored book "Landscapes of Activism" pertains to pharmaceutical treatment access and HIV/AIDS activism with the matrilineal and Muslim tribes of northern Mozambique. He specializes in the social ramifications of infectious and communicable disease and rural and urban global health. Christian also studies religion with interests in traditional religion and healing, Pentecostalism, Catholicism, Santaria, Voodoo, and spirit possession.

Occupation: Medical Anthropologist
Countries of expertise: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Malawi, Mozambique, Portugal, South Africa, Tanzania, United States of America, Zambia

Rich, Jeremy

I have been conducting research on central African history and politics since I was awarded a Fulbright IIE scholarship to Gabon in 1999. I earned a MA and PhD in history from Indiana University. Since 2011, I have been a professor of history at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Through my research and my visits to both the DR Congo and Gabon, I have an extensive network of contacts in government, human rights, academic, and diplomatic circles in the Republic of Congo, Gabon, and the DRC.

Occupation: Professor
Countries of expertise: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon

Rodman, Debra

The Honorable Dr. Debra Rodman is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Women’s Studies and former Director of Women's Studies at Randolph-Macon College. Her areas of expertise are transnational migration, gender and ethnic relations, gender-based violence, and women’s rights. As an anthropology and gender/women’s studies professor, she teaches courses on race, class, and gender, gender and economic development, immigration and refugees, and teaches community-based courses with local refugee resettlement organizations In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Rodman serves as an expert witness in federal immigration court for families fleeing violence and persecution with a focus on women, children, and LGBT individuals.

Debra Rodman has a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Miami, an M.A. in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Florida. Dr. Rodman is a former Fulbright scholar and received additional funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. A fluent Spanish speaker, she has over 20 years’ experience working in Central America and with refugee and immigrant communities in the United States.

Dr. Rodman served in the… Read more

Occupation: Associate Professor
Countries of expertise: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras