Dr Hazel Cameron
Experienced expert witness and author of country reports for courts and tribunals nationally and internationally.
Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana
Arbitrary Arrest And Detention; Child Trafficking; Country Case Law; Criminal Justice System; Criminal Justice System; Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage; Economy; Education; Employment; Ethnic Groups; Food Security Identification On Return; Gender Based Violence; Gender Based Violence; Gross Violations Of Human Rights Perpetrated By State Security Forces; Health Care; Health Insurance; Housing; Human Trafficking; Internal Relocation; LGBTIQ+; Mental Health Services; Opposition Politics And Election Violence; Organ Trafficking; Policing; Political Violence; Prison Conditions; Rape; Risks Of Re-Trafficking; Social Groups; State Sponsored Violence; Sufficiency Of Protection; Torture And Sexual Violence; Trafficking For Ransom; Trafficking Routes; Witness Protection; Risks On Return.
Rwanda
LGBTIQ+; Human Trafficking; Organ Trafficking; Risks of Re-Trafficking; Sufficiency of Protection; Trafficking for Ransom; Trafficking Routes.
Africa
Human Trafficking; Organ Trafficking; Risks of Re-Trafficking; Sufficiency of Protection; Trafficking for Ransom; Trafficking Routes.
Qualifications: Doctor of Philosophy
Specific areas of study/expertise: The Expert is a critical criminologist with published academic research and practitioner experience in (1) the field of global transnational organised criminal networks and their role in modern slavery and human trafficking, including child trafficking, organ trafficking, and trafficking for ransom, as well as (2) state crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, and political violence.
The Expert has engaged in mapping exercises in the UK, Europe and across the African continent in relation to human trafficking since 2009. Her academic research in this field examines the under-analysed area of civil warfare and the relationship between conflict around the globe and transnational organised criminal networks, which results in the trafficking of human beings from conflict and post-conflict environments. On 29 May 2024, she returned from a fact-finding mission to East Africa, examining issues of domestic and cross border trafficking in human beings, and the role of transnational organised crime in people smuggling, human trafficking and modern slavery. She has an in-depth understanding of human trafficking for ransom in the digital age and how people can become trapped in a human trafficking cycle. She is knowledgeable of both the common and the under-reported trafficking routes of Africa and beyond
In the field of state crimes, the Expert has undertaken extensive study of Rwandan, Zimbabwean, South African and Ugandan social and political affairs since 1999, including extended periods of in country fieldwork. The Expert’s in country experience in Zimbabwe includes extensive studies of state political violence in post-independent Zimbabwe with a particular focus on the Matabeleland Massacres of 1982-1987 (Gukurahundi) and electoral violence 1980-2018. Most recent studies include interviewing survivors of Gukurahundi mass rape and torture. In Rwanda, her research includes monitoring/evaluation of the Rwandan Criminal Justice System, the Rwandan Correctional Services, and the Rwandan National Police. She has undertaken rigorous studies within Rwandan prisons including interviews with prisoners convicted of crimes of genocide, and prisoners extradited to Rwanda to face trial on charges of crimes of genocide. She has also undertaken studies with Rwandan survivors of genocide and victims of contemporary state political violence.
The Expert is an experienced expert witness and author of country reports for courts and tribunals nationally and internationally. The Expert has over thirty years of experience providing expert witness testimony at criminal and civil courts of law in the UK and abroad, including the Torture Claims Appeal Board, Hong Kong. She is fully conversant with the duties and responsibilities of an expert witness to the court. Her research to date has received regional, national and international media attention. Multiple live television and radio interviews have been undertaken with Sky news; France 24; TVR; South Africa Broadcasting Corporation; Chinese television; Australian television; Euronews; Channel 4; British Forces Radio; Russian Television, BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, and BBC Radio Scotland. Research has featured in newspaper articles around the globe, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the USA.
Testimonials
Tasaddat Hussain, Barrister, Garden Court North Chambers, Manchester
"As a practitioner of over 20yrs I have come across Dr Cameron's reports frequently. The quality of those reports is evident from the fact they are bespoke, focused and presented in the correct amount of detail, whilst devoid of excessive or irrelevant commentary and do not stray into areas beyond the remit of a country expert. Barrister colleagues also recommend Dr Cameron to their instructing solicitors and each other, which is further testimony of her standing as a reputable country expert."
Amrit Singh Raindi, Solicitor, London
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr Hazel Cameron with many of my immigration matters. She is reliable, efficient and a very credible expert. Her work speaks volumes and she can identify the main issues and can provide a detailed, researched based analysis of the matter in hand. Her professional expertise and opinion has always been an important factor in determining the outcome of many cases. She is brilliant. I would highly recommend”
Helen Baron, Solicitor, London
“My colleague and I instructed Dr Cameron to provide us with an expert country report in relation to health (HIV, mental health and disability) and access to social assistance in Uganda, to assist the Court in the course of our client's human rights appeal against the Home Office's refusal of his claim for leave to remain in the UK. Dr Cameron's report was detailed and thorough, including both a comprehensive literature review and insight from in-country actors in order to respond to the specific questions posed. Her report and follow up were invaluable to the success of the appeal. We also appreciated her patience and responsiveness in dealing with some challenges on the way! Much recommended for anyone seeking expert evidence on Uganda.”
Andrew Bradley, Solicitor, Glasgow
“The case was successful. The Judge was very impressed with your report! Thank you!”
Queenie Lau, Barrister, Temple Chambers, Hong Kong
“Thank you so much for your extremely swift turnaround (and in fact, the Adjudicator yesterday was also most appreciative of how swiftly you had produced your first Addendum for us as well - thank you!)”
Sara Abel, Solicitor, Leicester
“I instructed Hazel to complete two country expert reports on Zimbabwe. Hazel completed the reports very quickly and kept me updated the whole time. The reports themselves were brilliant and covered a vast range of the struggles my clients would have faced upon return to Zimbabwe. The reports were brilliantly written, comprehensive and easy to understand. I have recommended Hazel to colleagues and would definitely instruct her again.”
Michael J. McCarroll, Solicitor, Denver, USA
"Your expert witness report was very thorough and persuasive. Thank you for your hard work on this case. I think it will have a big impact on the court's decision."
Sam Jubb, Solicitor, Manchester
“I instructed Hazel to draft an expert report focusing on the treatment of political dissidents in Zimbabwe, namely MDC members. Her report was detailed and her conclusions genuine; I believe that her expertise was invaluable in assisting with my client's case. Hazel also contacted her connections in Zimbabwe and managed to authenticate documents we sought to rely on. She really went the extra mile and I would recommend her to anyone seeking expert opinion.”