Mr Abdikarin Yusuf | Bosaso, Somalia
LLB in Somali National University- Somalia
Previous experience
Judge at the First Instance Court of Bosaso District, Bari Region, Somalia ( October 2023–Present)
Regional Prosecutor of Sanag Region, Somalia (May 2023–September 2023).
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights
Position prior to the programme
Judge
Ms Josephine Yisa | Nigeria
LL.B, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Previous experience
Josephine obtained her LLB from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. She volunteers as a legal adviser to Chrysolite Foundation. She has a passion for human rights which motivated her internship with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Academic fields of interest:
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; International Humanitarian Law; and Space Law
Position prior to the programme
Intern at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Adv Dorcas Werson | Western Equatoria State, South Sudan
Bachelor of Laws from the University of Juba
Previous experience
Dorcas Werson worked as a Legal and Information Officer at the International Rescue Committee) (2022–2025), where she conducted legal case management in collaboration with relevant authorities. Led legal rights training for chiefs and community members in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. She also worked as an Advocate & Legal Consultant at the Fidelity Law Chambers (2018–2022), where she provided legal representation and consultancy on various human rights and legal matters. Dorcas Worked as an Advocacy Officer at The Advocate for Human Rights and Democracy (2018–2020), where she focused on human rights advocacy and policy engagement in South Sudan. Finally, she worked as a Liaison Officer for The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism (2016–2018) where she facilitated communication between stakeholders, government offices, and armed forces regarding conflict resolution in South Sudan.
Academic fields of interest:
Women's rights and Children's rights
Position prior to the programme
My Position was Legal and Information Officer
Mr Tesfamhret Teklesenbet Haile | Robto, Eritrea
Master of Jurisprudence in Rule of Law for Development (MJ), Loyola University Chicago, United States of America; Comparative Constitutional Law (LL.M), Central European University, Australia; Transnational Crimes and Justice (LL.M), University for Peace, Costa Rica; and Political Science (BA), University of Asmara, Eritrea
Previous experience
I have both academic and non-academic professional experiences. In Eritrea, I worked as Research Assistant (Research and Documentation Center) and Graduate Assistant, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations, College of Arts and Social Sciences. Before joining the HRDA program, I was a Legal and Advocacy Officer, Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU). I also did internship with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights and the UN International Residual Mechanisms for Criminal Tribunals (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda).
Academic fields of interest:
My field of interest, among others, are international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, transnational crimes, rule of law, and comparative constitutional law
Position prior to the programme
Legal and Advocacy Officer, Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU).
Mr Obey Shava | Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
Bachelor of Laws Honors degree (University of Zimbabwe), Master of Laws degree (University of East London, UK) , Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology (Zimbabwe Open University)
Previous experience
14 years in private practice, mainly in human rights, civil and constitutional litigation. Founder and managing partner of Shava Law Chambers, Rights and Business Centre. Award winning human rights lawyer.
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights and Theology
Position prior to the programme
Managing Partner, Shava Law Chambers, Rights and Business Centre
Ms Domingas Sande | Chimoio, Mozambique
LLB Bachelor of Laws at Eduardo Mondlane University, Faculty of Law in Maputo, Mozambique
Previous experience
I am a Mozambican lawyer and human rights advocate with 9 years of professional experience. Before being admitted to the Bar, I completed an internship at the Eduardo Mondlane University Legal Office and at the Mozambican Bar Association's Legal Clinic, where I gained valuable practical experience in legal analysis and advocacy. Throughout my career, I have been committed to using the transformative power of the law to promote access to justice, democracy and human rights.
Academic fields of interest:
Democracy and Civic Engagement, Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law
Position prior to the programme
Prior to joining the HRDA program, I worked as an associate at the law firm Wanda Honwana & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados Lda., where I focused my practice on Intellectual Property, Labor and Commercial Law, providing legal advice and representation.
Ms Mondekazi Ntshele | Willowvalle, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Bachelor of Public Administration, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) University of Fort Hare
Previous experience
Exchange Fellow-Kenyan Section- International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya)
Academic fields of interest:
Women's rights, Strategic Public Interest Litigation, Electoral law, and Criminal Justice on the lenses of Human Rights, and Social Democracy
Position prior to the programme
ICJ-Kenya under Democratic Governance and Rule of Law
Mr Joshua Nduku | Harare, Zimbabwe
BA Law (with Distinction), LLB (with Distinction) University of Pretoria
Previous experience
Having completed my BA Law, I was studying toward my LLB at the University of Pretoria. In my final year, I worked in the Department of Public Law as a tutor for Administrative Law and Public International Law as well as a research assistant for Prof Frans Viljoen in the Centre for Human Rights with a focus on the African Human Rights system. Outside of academia, I participated in the Sports Arbitration Moot. Currently, I am the Editor-in-Chief of the Pretoria Student Law Review.
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights, interdisciplinary human rights, socio-economic human rights, internarional law
Position prior to the programme
Tutor: Department of Public Law (UP); Research Assistant: Centre for Human Rights (UP); Editor-in-Chief (Pretoria Student Law Review)
Ms Violet Munasinyungwe | I grew up in Lusaka, Zambia
Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), University of Zambia
Previous experience
I have 6 years’ experience of working in a fast-paced law firm, rising from internship to Associate level. Throughout my legal career thus far, I have demonstrated a deep understanding of several instructions ranging from complex public interest litigation cases on Constitutional and Human Rights violations and environmental matters arising from illegal land use and occupation, displacements, and violation of land property rights. I am known for my meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills, which enable my clients to confidently navigate complex situations with ease. My in-depth knowledge acquired through excellent research skills, in my specific areas of practice allows me to provide comprehensive and tailored legal strategies to each client’s unique circumstance.
Academic fields of interest:
I am interested in Human Rights Law and Environmental Law
Position prior to the programme
Before joining the Centre for Human Rights, I was an Associate , which position I still hold at a private law firm called Malisa and Partners Legal Practitioners
Ms Kate Metzer | Johannesburg, South Africa
LLB at the University of Pretoria
Previous experience
Kate holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Pretoria. During her third year of university, she founded the African Accountability Project, a non-governmental organization dedicated to documenting atrocity crimes across Africa. This initiative has since partnered with the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, where they are collaborating to build a case against actors involved in atrocities in Sudan. Kate has published extensively, including in the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce, and has also drafted a sample indictment against President Lukashenko. Throughout her university career, she actively participated in the mooting community, competing in the Willem C. Vis Moot and the Nuremberg Moot Court Competition. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Teams Coordination Committee for Africa in the Moot.
Academic fields of interest:
Interdisciplinary Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law
Position prior to the programme
Founder and Executive Director of the African Accountability Project
Mr Euloge Koffi | Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Bachelor of Law (LLB), at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire, Master’s Degree in Legal Sciences at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
Previous experience
Academically, in 2022 I won the 31st Chrystof Heyns Human Rights Moot Court Competition. In 2024, I also won the first Lex Climatica moot competition and the prize for best speaker.
Professionally, I worked at the law firm Gbougnon & Associés for a year and I am a member of the Young Researchers Section of the African Academy for the Practice of International Law (AAILP) and of the Observatoire Africain pour l'Accès au Droit (OBSAFRICAD).
Academic fields of interest:
International law, Environmental law, Dispute resolution and Human rights
Position prior to the programme
I was the Vice-President of the Centre d’Etudes de Droit (Centre for Legal Studies), a 30-year-old student association that provides practical skills to students in Law.
Ms Arlette Kitumaini Mwamini | The Democratic Republic of Congo, North-Kivu, Goma
Bachelor's degree in Law, (LLB+5), Universite libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL-Goma)
Previous experience
Arlette Kitumaini is a Congolese Lawyer with over 5 years experience and expertise in women and children’s rights. She is a co-founder of CORD International, a local NGO in the Democratic Republic of Congo which deals mainly with communities’ resilience and development. She is a 2023 Fellow of the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, a Clooney Foundation for Justice Program. Arlette has been a Legal Fellow at Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA). She is currently doing a Master's degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa.
Academic fields of interest:
Development Law, Women's rights, children's rights and Criminology
Position prior to the programme
Executive Secretary in CORD International
Mx Imani Kimiri | Nairobi, Kenya
Bachelor of Laws, 2014, Kenyatta University, Law Campus
Previous experience
Imani Kimiri (they/them) is a gender-queer human rights defender, lawyer, feminist and activist, with over 10 years experience, who passionately champions equality for sexual and gender minorities, harm reduction and sex work. Throughout their activism, Imani has channelled their skills and passion into changing laws and policies through strategic litigation, strategic advocacy, legal clinics, research and documentation, urgent action missions, and the promotion of freedom of expression and association. Currently serving as the Advocacy Coordinator, Our Voices Our Future Consortium, where they coordinate and support the planning and execution of OVOF joint advocacy activities and oversee and support alignment of all joint advocacy activities with the joint advocacy strategy.
Formerly serving as the Head of Legal Affairs at the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) in Kenya, Imani actively advocated for the promotion and protection of equality and inclusion in policies and laws of LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities, as well as access to justice for LGBTIQ+ persons in Kenya. Imani has in the past worked under different capacities at the United Nations Office of Staff Legal Affairs and Kurauka & Co. Advocates.
Imani has consistently sought to enhance their knowledge and skills through various capacity-building programs. They have completed the Holistic Strategic Litigation against LGBTIQ+ Torture course offered by Redress Trust in 2022, the Strategic Litigation and Advocacy course at the University of Pretoria in 2023, and the Human Rights Advocates Program at Columbia University in 2023. Imani is a current fellow of the LBQ Connect program offered by Outright International in 2024.
Imani further extends their commitment by serving as a board member of QueerHive Kenya, a youth-focused social support and advocacy organisation for Lesbians, Bisexuals, Queer womxn, and Gender Non-Conforming people in Kenya. In this role, Imani creates spaces that challenge patriarchal systems and programming embedded in society, contributing significantly to the advancement of queer rights and representation.
Academic fields of interest:
Sexual and gender diverse rights, Women rights, Children rights
Position prior to the programme
Advocacy Coordinator - Our Voices Our Futures Consortium
Mr John Kaunda | Nigeria
LLB (University of calabar) distinction top 1% of a class of 190+ students
Previous experience
I obtained my LL.B from the University of Calabar where I actively participated in and won several international moot court competitions.
Academic fields of interest:
Public international law. International development. Technology & public policy. Governance. International humanitarian law & international human rights law.
Position prior to the programme
I worked with the legal services department of the Nigerian stock exchange group.
Mr Solomon C Jatta | Kartong Village, The Gambia
Bachelor of Laws (University of The Gambia), Barrister At Law (The Gambia Law School)
Previous experience
I graduated from The University of The Gambia and obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) in 2017. I subsequently proceeded to The Gambia Law School where I graduated with a Barrister At Law Professional Degree as a competent person to practice Law. I was called to The Gambian Bar in 2017 and enrolled in 2021.
Before I was enrolled as a Lawyer, I have worked at Dandimayo Law Chambers as a Pupil Barrister. After enrolment, I worked at Maribantang Law Chambers as a Junior Lawyer. I currently work with the Law Chambers of Lamin AMS Jobarteh as a Lawyer. Ever since I started appearing in Court in 2019, my position as a Lawyer has allowed me to directly protect and promote Human Rights through uninterrupted and continous litigation before both the Subordinate and Superior courts of The Gambia.
I am a volunteer teacher at the African Center for Legal Research and Training, where I also serve as the Head of the Pro Bono Unit. In this position, I coordinate the provision of free legal services for vulnerable members of society who cannot afford legal services. I am also a Board Member for Center for Women's Rights and Economic Empowerment.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Position prior to the programme
Lawyer at Law Chambers of Lamin AMS Jobarteh, Old Yundum, The Gambia
Ms Fatma Ismail | South Africa
LLB - University of Johannesburg
Previous experience
I was a graduate trainee at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa for nearly four years. I was part of the National Assembly Table, where I provided procedural advice, guidance, and support related to both plenary and non-plenary matters to the Presiding Officers. I also conducted research and contributed to institutional documents, such as Procedural Developments of the National Assembly.
Prior to that, I completed several vacation programmes, including working at the University of Johannesburg Law Clinic and the Pro Bono Helpdesk at the Johannesburg High Court.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights Law. Governance. Public Policy. Advocacy.
Position prior to the programme
Graduate Trainee - National Assembly, Parliament of the RSA.
Ms Anna Henga | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
LLB (University of Dar es Salaam), PDBA (Institute of Finance Management), MSc (Mzumbe and Bradford), PHD Honoris Causa (Luncent University, UK)
Previous experience
Dr. Anna Aloys Henga is the Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) www.humanrights.or.tz, an iconic Human Rights Organization in Tanzania and East Africa. As the Executive Director of the LHRC since July 2018, Dr. Henga has spearheaded significant advocacy and reform initiatives across Tanzania. She is a distinguished advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and a prominent leader in human rights, women’s rights, good governance, corporate governance, and social empowerment.
Dr. Henga possesses an extensive academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Dar es Salaam, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Institute of Finance Management, and an MSc in Development Policy and Practice for Civil Society from Mzumbe and Bradford University. Her academic pursuits are complemented by a Diploma in Gender from the Sweden Institute of Public Administration and a Diploma in Theology and Ministry from Mahanaim School of Ministry and Theology. Her career within the Legal and Human Rights Centre has been varied and impactful, with roles such as Director of Advocacy and Reforms and Programme Coordinator for Constitutional Reforms. Prior positions include serving as a Legal Officer and Gender Focal Person, where she also acted as an HIV peer educator.
Dr. Henga is a prolific author and researcher, contributing to works such as "30 years of Multipartyism in Tanzania" and participating in projects like the book "Sengondo Mvungi: Breathing the Constitution." Her scholarly contributions extend to numerous dissertations and articles focused on law and human rights.
Her achievements have earned her numerous awards, including the International Women of Courage Award in 2019. Dr. Henga was also honored with an Honoris Causa PhD from Lucent University in the UK, recognizing her contributions to human rights and governance.
An active professional member, Dr. Henga belongs to the Tanganyika Law Society, Tanzania Women Lawyers Association, and Amnesty International. She also serves as the Chairperson of the Tanzania Network of Legal Aid Providers and is a certified board member with the Institute of Directors (IoDT) and the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI).
Dr. Henga’s community engagement is profound, serving as a part-time Associate Pastor and a mentor to emerging directors and university students. Her leadership and mentorship have greatly impacted the professional and personal development of many young leaders in Tanzania.
Dr. Anna Henga's biography reflects her dedication to justice, equity, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities through her professional endeavors, academic contributions, and community service.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights, Women Rights, Civic engagement and Democracy
Position prior to the programme
Executive Director - Legal and Human Rights Centre, Tanzania
Ms Fortunate Chilenje | Hwange, Zimbabwe
Bachelor of Laws Honour's Degree LLB, Great Zimbabwe University, Herbert Chitepo Law School. Zimbabwe
Previous experience
I am an LLB holder with three years of specialized experience in the NGO sector. I have successfully transitioned from internship to roles as a Legal Officer and Program Assistant Officer for Musasa and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organization, respectively, where I developed my skills in programming, stakeholder engagement, research, writing, analysis, and advocacy for climate action, environmental rights, and human rights. Passionate about human rights law, I effectively engage with stakeholders to promote the rights of women and children, ensuring their voices are heard in critical discussions. With a proven ability to drive impactful initiatives and foster collaboration, I use my skills, academic prowess, and a dedicated self to contribute to organizations focused on creating a just and sustainable world and defending human rights using a holistic approach.
Academic fields of interest:
Children's rights, Women's rights, International law, Environmental law
Position prior to the programme
Legal Officer at Musasa
Ms Judith Patricia Byangango | Kampala, Uganda
Bachelor of Laws - The Catholic University of Eastern Africa - Nairobi, Kenya
Previous experience
L.LB - The Catholic University of Eastern Africa - Nairobi, Kenya. United Nations Regional Course in International Law - UNECA, Addis Ababa - Ethiopia (Class of 2023). Volunteer Assistant Researcher, AUCIL - Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Legal Intern, Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Little Bit of Hope, a community based NGO in Butaleja District, Uganda
Academic fields of interest:
International Humanitarian Law, Children's Rights and Intellectual Property Rights
Position prior to the programme
Volunteer (Legal expert) - A Little Bit of Hope
Mr Solomon Joskine Kwashie Atsuvia | Takoradi, Western Region of the Republic of Ghana
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), University of Cape Coast (awarded degree), hosted by Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, 2023.
Previous experience
I have accumulated both academic and professional experience in the field of human rights, gender and sexual rights advocacy, and global health.
Academic fields of interest:
My academic fields of interest primarily center around Human Rights, Social Justice, LGBTIQ+ Rights, Global Health, and Intersectionality. I am particularly focused on sexual and gender minority rights, with an emphasis on advancing equity, dignity, and access to health for marginalized populations. Given my work on the Digital Health and Rights Project (DHRP), I am deeply interested in the intersection of human rights, technology, and digital governance in the context of health. Additionally, I am passionate about policy advocacy, social inclusion, and capacity building within both local and international human rights frameworks. I am also keen on exploring global health policies that intersect with human rights, particularly how HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programs impact the LGBTIQ+ community. My academic background, coupled with my professional experiences, have driven my interest in advocacy for marginalized groups and human rights law in Africa, especially in the context of SOGIESC rights (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics).
Position prior to the programme
Programs and Advocacy Manager at Rightify Ghana
Catherine Apajok Philip Apath | Jonglei State, South Sudan
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), 2023, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Previous experience
I interned at City Law & Co. Advocates from July 2023 to February 2024 in Juba, South Sudan, gaining valuable hands-on experience in various legal tasks. During the same period, I also completed a Virtual Legal Internship with Bowmans Kenya, where I participated in a Commercial Law Job Simulation from July to August 2023. Prior to that, I undertook a Judicial Attachment at the Milimani High Court in Kenya from June to July 2022, further enhancing my understanding of the judicial process. Additionally, I hold a certificate in a short course on Global Human Rights.
Academic fields of interest:
- Public International Law - With a focus on International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- Disability Law
- Women’s Rights Law
Position prior to the programme
Prior to the programme, I was at the Kenya School of Law, undertaking the Advocates Training Programme (ATP).
Ms Saria Aman | Khartoum, Sudan
LLB, University of Khartoum
Previous experience
With a background in law and human rights, Saria Ama has experience in legal reform, humanitarian work, and talent acquisition. Holding an LLB from the University of Khartoum, she had worked with the World Food Programme in organizational alignment, as well as SEEMA Center, where she focused on law reform and gender-based violence advocacy. A published researcher and award-winning moot court participant, she is passionate about policy development, inclusion, and humanitarian efforts.
Academic fields of interest:
Humanitarian Access and women Rights
Position prior to the programme
Emergency Response Rooms consultant
Tholoana Mosia | Free State, South Africa
LLB (cum laude), University of the Free State, South Africa
Previous experience
Intern at the Centre for Human Rights
Academic fields of interest:
- Constitutional law
- Administrative law
- Human rights
- Socio-economic rights (specifically)
Position prior to the programme
Intern at the Centre for Human Rights (2022-present)
Patience Mungwari | Gweru, Zimbabwe
Bachelor of Arts with Educaction (BA.Ed) Africa University, Zimbabwe, Bachelor of Social Science Honours Gender and Transformation(B. Soc. Sci Hons) University of Cape Town, Mphil HIV/AIDS and Society University of Cape Town
Previous experience
I am a gender and women’s rights specialist with over 20 years work experience, predominantly in the women’s rights, HIV and education sectors. I have experience in research, program management, advocacy and capacity building focusing specifically on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive rights. Currently I am Deputy Director of Programs for No Means No Worldwide. No Means No Worldwide is a gender-based violence prevention organisation that teaches empowerment self-defence to youth across the world. Before joining No Means No Worldwide, I was the Women’s Rights Programme Manager at the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria and in this role supported African Union member states to report on implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
Academic fields of interest:
My research interests are in women's rights broadly and sexual and reproductive health rights, sexual andgender-based violence and women’s participation in social movements.
Position prior to the programme
Deputy Director of Programmes, No Means No Worldwide
Merveille Mugisha | Bujumbura, Burundi
Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Université du Lac Tanganyika, Burundi
Previous experience
During her university studies, Merveille represented the university in national and regional moot court competitions in International Humanitarian Law. After graduating, Merveille first worked for a local NGO involved in the fight against human trafficking and other violations, particularly against children under 18.
Two years later, Merveille joined the Lutheran World Federation - an international organization based in Geneva, Switzerland - as an advocacy officer for the "Gender Justice" project, which aims to empower women to defend and exercise their rights in an unfavorable context of deep-rooted prejudice and discrimination.
Academic fields of interest:
- Human Rights
- Gender equality
- Democracy
- International Humanitarian Law
Position prior to the programme
Advocacy Officer for Gender Justice at the Lutheran World Federation, Burundi
Ntandoyenkosi Moyo | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
LLB Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree. Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
Previous experience
I have been a Lecturer in the Public Law Department at the Faculty of Law at Midlands State University, Lecturing International Humanitarian Law for two years. Also I have been both a motivational leadership speaker and moot court coach in Zimbabwe and at the University. I have one year experience as a practicing attorney in private practice in Zimbabwe, specializing in civil and criminal law litigation.
Academic fields of interest:
Public International Law, in particular International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law.
Position prior to the programme
Public Law Lecturer at Midlands State University and a Practicing Attorney in private practice.
Neville Mupita | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
BA Law majoring in Criminology (with distinction) and an LLB degree from the University of Pretoria, South Africa
Previous experience
I served as an Advocacy intern at the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G). Additionally, I worked as an Academic Tutor for Constitutional Law in the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights Law and Disability law
Position prior to the programme
I served as the Deputy President of the University of Pretoria Student Representative Council for the 2022/23 academic year. Additionally, I represented the University of Pretoria as a student representative for the South Africa Sweden University Forum. Furthermore, I worked as an academic tutor for Constitutional Law in the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria.
Munguiko Muliri Ramadhan | Idjwi, Sud-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bachelor's degree in Law at the University of Goma, in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Previous experience
- Civil Administrator of the Republic assigned to the congolese Ministry of Land Affairs
- Expert in a national consultancy for the Oriental REDD+ Integrated Project on the elaboration of land tenure agreements drafts to secure individual and collective land rights for local communities in the provinces of Tshopo, Ituri and Bas-Uélé.
- Teaching assistant at the Faculty of Law of the University of Goma.
- Criminal law and criminology
- Human rights and civil liberties
- Judicial Law
- Humanitarian Law
- Public finance
- Post-conflict reconstruction
Academic fields of interest:
Position prior to the programme
Designer and editor for the Conflict Studies Office, Legal Division, Land and Property Conflicts Direction, at the congolese General Secretariat for Land Affairs.
Reece Pierce-Jones | Gauteng, South Africa
LLB, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Previous experience
Job Shadowing at Section27, two year internship at the Centre for Human Rights in the Children's Unit which included writing papers, articles and hosting conferences, Vacation Work at two Law firms
Academic fields of interest:
Health Law in terms of the right to health and nutrition
Position prior to the programme
I was an LLB student at the University of Pretoria as well as an intern at the Centre for Human Rights
Golda Rapozo | Malawi
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malawi
Previous experience
Golda has been practicing law since her admission to the bar in 2018, gaining experience in both private and public sectors. She served as an intern at Hanniford & Associates and later worked as an associate at Mhango Lawyers, specializing in civil matters related to contracts, commercial transactions, personal injuries, and labor issues. In 2021, she transitioned to the public sector, assuming the role of Senior Legal & Prosecutions Officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Her responsibilities include prosecuting criminal cases, with a focus on financial crimes and corruption. Golda is an integral part of the Asset Recovery team, contributing to the retrieval of unlawfully acquired assets. Additionally, she actively participates in the Women Lawyers Association in Malawi, currently holding the position of secretary for the Blantyre Chapter.
Academic fields of interest:
- Women’s and children’s rights
- Anti-Corruption and Good Governance
- Right to development
- Democracy and constitutionalism
Position prior to the programme
Principal Legal & Prosecutions Officer at Anti-Corruption Bureau, Malawi
Laurian Magaka | Tabora region, United Republic of Tanzania
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Previous experience
In November 2016, I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Dar es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania. The Law Degree allowed me to join the Law School of Tanzania for Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in the 23rd Cohort. In July 2018, I was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania. Following my admission, I had a brief internship with GY Hassam & Co. Advocates in Dar es Salaam. In October 2018, I started working as an Associate for DLA Piper Africa, Tanzania (IMMMA Advocates), where I remained until May 2021, when I joined the public service as a Legal Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Dodoma.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights and Taxation
Position prior to the programme
Legal Officer in the United Republic of Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
Mamadou Saidou Bah | Sare Gubu village, Sandu District, Upper River Region, The Gambia.
I completed a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at the Faculty of Law, University of The Gambia in 2017. After completing my degree, I enrolled at a postgraduate program at the Gambia Law School called the Bar Professional Training Course. I completed the program and called to The Gambia Bar in 2019 and enrolled as a Legal Practitioner in The Gambia in November 2020.
Previous experience
I am presently a Senior Legal Researcher at the Court of Appeal of The Gambia and my duties include conducting extensive legal research for judges of the Court, analysing legal precedents and writing legal opinions. I am responsible for developing the subject matter index of the judgments of the Court of Appeal which is essential for ease of reference and research for judges, lawyers and general court users. I also go to court to witness court proceedings.
In addition, I served as a Legal Researcher at the High Court of The Gambia from February 2019 to February 2023. I supported my Chambers with various administrative tasks, whilst remaining focus on conducting legal research, drafting judgments, rulings and orders. I also used to attend court proceedings and supervised the daily management of the Chambers by providing legal and administrative support to the other personnel in Chambers.
I served as a Legal Officer at Semega Chambers from October 2018 to February 2019. There, I provided legal advice/counselling to clients; prepared pleadings and written addresses; interviewed clients; prepared contracts and other legal documents.
Before I enrolled at the University of The Gambia, I served as a classroom teacher. I taught school pupils, prepared teaching and learning aids and assisted in the general administration of the schools. I have more than four years experience as a classroom teacher.
For my tertiary education, I attended The Gambia College where I was awarded the Primary Teachers’ Certificate (PTC) with “Distinction” in 2012. In 2013, I enrolled at the University of The Gambia and was awarded a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 2017 and I was ranked 3rd out of 72 students in my class. Importantly, I served as the Research Minister of the Law Students’ Association of my university in 2016.
Continuing, in October 2017, I enrolled at The Gambia Law School where I did the Bar Professional Training Course that enabled me to be called to the Gambia Bar in February 2019. Amusing, I was among the top six students of my class at the Gambia Law School and because of my exceptional performance at the Bar Final Exams; I was awarded the best student in Company Law and Commercial Practices at my Call to The Gambia Bar ceremony.
I got enrolled as a Legal Practitioner in The Gambia by the General Legal Council in November 2020. I have the ambition to serve as a Superior Court judge in my country one day.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights and International Criminal Justice
Position prior to the programme
Senior Legal Researcher, Judiciary of The Gambia
Elsa Melissa Tapsoba | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
(LLB), (LLM)Public law, université privée de Ouagadougou
Previous experience
I am engaged in the advocacy of women’s rights, and children protection. Having done internships in human rights institutions in my country, I have developed my skills in project management and administration. These experiences have also enabled me to strengthen my leadership skills.
Academic fields of interest:
I am particularly interested by women’s rights, human rights advocacy, international crimes, children protection and migrants rights.
Position prior to the programme
Before joining the programme, I was an intern at Coalition burkinabè des défenseurs des droits humains (CBDDH).
Wycklife Oyoo | Nyanza, Kenya
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Moi University, Kenya
Previous experience
I am an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with seven years' experience in the practice of law. I specialize in commercial, labour law, family law and constitutional law practice before the Courts and Tribunals in Kenya. I hold an LLB Degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Academic fields of interest:
Family law, Human Rights particularly minority rights and Constitutional law.
Position prior to the programme
Advocate in the Dispute Resolution Department at Kaplan & Stratton Advocates, Kenya.
Razan Ali | Khartoum, Sudan
(LLB) University of Khartoum, (LLM) Trinity College, Dublin
Previous experience
I have over two years of experience in the Humanitarian sector, following the completion of my LLM degree in Ireland. I served as a legal officer with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Gadaref state, East of Sudan, assisting Tigryan influx of refugees. Subsequently, I joined the UNDP as a project officer in the Human Rights and Rule of Law Portfolio, implementing programs to enhance human rights post-conflict and strengthen the rule of law in justice institutions. During university, I headed the human rights awareness division at the faculty legal aid's clinic, became a member of the university's human rights center, and participated in the All Africa moot court held by the human rights center of UP University in Mauritius. I became a licensed lawyer in Sudan in 2021 and am an SQE candidate to become licensed in the UK.
Academic fields of interest:
- International human rights law
- International Public Law
- International Investment Law and Trade
- Business and Human Rights
Position prior to the programme
Project Management officer with UNDP Human Rights and Rule of Law Portfolio
Ludo Lone Sekga | Gaborone, Botswana
Bachelor of Laws, University of Botswana, Botswana
Previous experience
I am an attorney, conveyancer and notary public with policy review and refugee status determination experience in an international organisation. I have also been an African Union Transitional Justice Scholar and a Women in Law in Southern Africa Representative.
Academic fields of interest:
- Children’s rights
- Sexual minority rights
- Refugee protection and transitional justice
Position prior to the programme
Associate Attorney
Sara Hafidh | Zanzibar, Tanzania
Degree of Law and Sharia (LLB) at Zanzibar University (ZU) Tanzania and Maters of Law in Jurisprudence (LLM) at Beijing Normal University, China.
Previous experience
Regional Magistrate at Judiciary of Zanzibar (June 2021-Present)
- Adjudicating civil and criminal cases
- conducting legal research and writing judgement.
- Participated in writing Gender Bench Book on Women Rights for Judges and Magistrate in Zanzibar 2023 (in collaboration with TAWJA-Tanzania Women Judges' Association and UN Women).
State Attorney & Public Prosecutor at Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Zanzibar (2015-June 2021)
- conducted investigation of serious crimes example murder, manslaughter and economic crimes.
- Provided legal opinion and prosecutorial decision on the files presented to me by DPP.
- Prosecuted criminal cases before the Court of law.
- Conducted legal research on different areas.
Legal officer at Said Attorney & Associates (2014-October 2015)
- Conducted legal research, drafted legal documents, and provide support in court proceedings.
- Assisted in client consultations and communicated with opposing counsels.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparations and attended Court hearings.
Academic experience (2009-2014 LLB and 2018-2020 LLM)
- Completed coursework in different units
- Participated in moot court competitions, enhancing oral advocacy skills.
- Published a research paper on the Laws relating to labor disputes settlement Procedures in Zanzibar and legal analysis on the laws relating to Plea-bargaining (a case study China and Zanzibar).
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights and International Laws
Position prior to the programme
Regional Magistrate at the Judiciary of Zanzibar.
Tito Magoti | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law and Practice, University of York, United Kingdom; Bachelor of Laws, Mzumbe University, Tanzania; and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law School of Tanzania
Previous experience
I am an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania. I have worked in the human rights field in Tanzania with the Legal and Human Rights Centre as a Program Officer responsible for business and human rights, mass education and community mobilization, and as a Legal Counsel responsible for criminal justice. I have litigated (and won) several public interest cases in both domestic and international mechanisms.
Academic fields of interest:
- Criminal justice
- Civil and political rights
- Internet governance and freedom
- Business and human rights
Position prior to the programme
Legal Counsel, Criminal Justice with Legal and Human Rights Centre in Tanzania
Lidawh-wè Dontema | Lome, Togo
Bachelor of Political, legal and administrative sciences - Specialisation: Private law (LL.B.) at the Catholic University of West Africa - University Unit in Togo (CUWA-UUT) in Lome, Togo
Masters in Private Law - Specialisation: Business and Taxation (LL.M.) at the Advanced Studies in International Relations and Strategical Institute (ASIRSI) in Lome, Togo
Previous experience
Graduated in LL.B. in Political, legal and administrative sciences and LL.M in Private Law, I have been introduced to international law, human rights and related disciplines during my university courses. However, I have deeply fallen in the field of human rights since 2017 with my practical experience within an NGO. Since then, I have worked with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights where I have improved my skills for the promotion and protection of human rights through, among other things, the handling of special mechanism.
Academic fields of interest:
- Humanitarian Law
- Prevention of Torture
- Children Rights
- Women's Rights
Position prior to the programme
Legal Consultant at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Kadima Cedric | Western Kenya
Bachelor of Laws - Kabarak University (Kenya); Post Graduate Diploma in Law - Kenya School of Law
Previous experience
I was admitted to the bar in 2022 to practice law. My assignments included conducting legal research, drafting legal opinions and pleadings, representing litigants in courts and tribunals, and receiving mentorship from my seniors in the bar. As a Graduate Assistant, I supported the teaching of classes, conducted research projects, edited manuscripts for publication, and performed administrative duties.
Academic fields of interest:
With my recent educational and professional engagements, I am inclined towards, Human Rights, Elections Law, International Investment Law, International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration, Regional Integration and Governance.
Position prior to the programme
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya Graduate Assistant, Kabarak University
Kansiime Mukama Taremwa | Mitooma District, Uganda
Bachelor of Laws at Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda
Previous experience
I represented Makerere University in the All Africa Human Rights Moot in the University of Mauritius in 2017.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights and Constitutional Governance, Employment Law; The Right to Development and Post-Human Realities.
Position prior to the programme
I have been an Associate at Signum Advicates, a Leading Corporate and Commercial Law Firm.
Eden Shewalefa | Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
LL.B from University of Gondar, Ethiopia
Previous experience
I have worked as a puplic prosecutor at the Ministry of Justice
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights
Position prior to the programme
A public prosecutor
Michael Aboneka | Jinja, Kampala, Uganda
LLB, Uganda Christian University; Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Law Development Center Kampala
Previous experience
I have worked in the Civil Society sector for 14 years now. I have experience in Policy Advocacy, Governance monitoring, human rights, oil and gas governance, Constitution building, research and writing and African Union Mechanisms-especially the African Governance Architecture. I have experience in public interest litigation and have filed several cases and Constitutional petitions.
Academic fields of interest:
- Human Rights and Democracy
- Governance Monitoring
- Research
- Elections Monitoring
- Human Rights Reporting
Position prior to the programme
I am a partner at Thomas & Michael Advocates. I have served as Coordinator at Action Aid International Uganda; Director Programs at Global Rights Alert; Coordinator for research-Center for Basic Research; Programs Associate (Policy Advocacy, Governance Monitoring and Civic Space) Uganda National NGO Forum
Nicholas Cheruiyot | Nakuru, Kenya
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Moi University, Kenya
Previous experience
I have vast experience working in an academic institution, having worked with Strathmore Law School as a Graduate Assistant. I also have long-term experience in research and writing, having researched and written on diverse areas of law. I was awarded the Justice C.B.Madan Student Price Award in 2021 by The Platform for Law, Justice and Society.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance, Constitutional Law and Constitutionalism and International Humanitarian Law.
Position prior to the programme
Prior to joining the University of Pretoria, I was a Graduate Assistant at Strathmore Law School and an administrative assistant at the Strathmore Dispute Resolution Centre. I was also a paralegals trainer at Justice Defenders Kenya.
Oluwatosin Senami Adegun | Lagos, Nigeria
Bachelor of Laws, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Previous experience
Oluwatosin has a degree in law from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Since her call to the Nigerian bar in 2012, she has practiced law in couple of law firms based in Lagos, the last firm being Olympus Law Partnership. Over the years, she has focused on litigation particularly litigating human rights cases, general civil matters and criminal cases.
Based on her interest in human rights particularly with regard to the protection and promotion of children's rights in Nigeria, she co-founded ISH-61 Human Rights & Social Justice Initiative in year 2020, and she doubles as the Director of Litigation and Research of the organization in furtherance of her work to advance human rights in Nigeria through litigation, advocacy and public enlightenment especially on issues affecting children, women and persons with disabilities.
Through ISH-61, she has litigated several human rights cases including the matter challenging the Lagos State's government's policy which made tax payment a pre-condition for children to access basic education in the state owned primary and junior secondary schools, and Nigeria's lack of uniform child protection law. She has also advocated for the creation of committees specifically for children in the legislative arm of government at the national and state levels among others. As a believer in human rights education of the people, she started "My Right" on Facebook where she shares basic human rights principles to educate the public, and the project has gained over 6,000 followers.
Academic fields of interest:
Children's rights, socio-economic rights, freedom of expression and digital rights, right to privacy and data protection
Position prior to the programme
Director (Litigation & Research) of ISH-61 Human Rights & Social Justice Initiative
Marie Rebecca Jolicoeur |Rodrigues, Mauritius
BA(Hons)Politics, Human Rights and International Relations
Previous experience
- Volunteering for 3 years at Caritas Ile Maurice
- Working as social worker at SOS Children's Villages Mauritius then monitoring and evaluation officer
Academic fields of interest:
- Human Rights
- Social and political philosophy
- Politics
- International Relations
Position prior to the programme
Monitoring and evaluation officer at SOS Children's Villages Mauritius
Gaye Fatou | Banjul, The Gambia
LLB- Universty of The Gambia, The Gambia
Previous experience
I started working in the field of human rights as a Legal Officer at the National Agency for Legal Aid where i provided legal representation to the less privileged members of the society and implementing activities on access to justice.
I currently work at the National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia as a Senior Legal Officer where I am responsible for organising and implementing programmes relating to the Commission's mandate in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Academic fields of interest:
- Human Rights
- Public International Law
Position prior to the programme
Senior Legal Officer
Dorcas Ameonu | Accra, Ghana
Bachelor of Arts (Economics major) University of Ghana , Legon -Ghana. Bachelor of Laws, University of Ghana, Legon-Ghana
Previous experience
After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and my Bachelor of Laws, I worked as a Research Assistant to the Tax Law, Policy and Practice (LLM & MA) program of the University of Ghana School of Law. Other works include conducting research within diverse areas of law. Notable among them being assessing the impact of the Government of Ghana’s decision to close tollbooths on persons living with disability in Ghana and writing legal opinions on issues centred on international trade and investment law, international human rights law , contract law and public policy.
Additionally, as the Overall Best Oralist for the African Human Rights Moot Court in 2021 at Stellenbosch University, I serve as a moot court Coach to the University of Ghana School of Law Moot Court Team on international competitions.
I also serve as a Tutor for Generation Global, the Tony Blair’s Institute global citizenship program for teenagers and young adults.
Academic fields of interest:
- Socio-Economic Justice in Africa
- Women’s Rights
- Business and Human Rights
- Transitional Modes of Democratisation in Africa
Position prior to the programme
Research Assistant at the University of Ghana School of Law
Adv Polit Waar | South Sudan
LLB, University of Nairobi
Founder: Community Oversight Committee (COC)
Academic field of interest
-
Constitutional Law
-
Constitutionalism and Governance
-
Human Rights
Previous experience
Community Mobiliser
Ilse Kithembe | Kitui, Kenya
Bachelor of Arts International relations and diplomacy with Information Technology at Maseno University, Kenya
Previous experience
Previously, I have worked in women centered projects of maternal and child care, menstrual health management, access to economic activities, access to education of girls, women and politics, women and human rights, and women in climate change. My experience is centred on advancing women's human rights in rural communities in Kwale county, and Kitui County.
Academic fields of interest
- International relations
- Women and politics
- Women and human rights
- Gender studies
Position prior to the programme
Founder, G for Girls Initiative Kwale, Mentee Human Rights Agenda x Amnesty Netherlands human rights capacity building program, senior mentor Girls On Fire Leaders Kenya
Chrispin Bosire | Keroka, Kenya
Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, Kenya and Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Previous experience
An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, admitted to the Bar in 2021, with a background in Human Rights advocacy, and offering legal aid. As a trained Civic Leader, I have engaged in strategic litigation in the context of elections, in enforcing the rights of persons to privacy and data protection. As an Internet Governance Fellow, I have been engaged in Digital Policy and developed material on internet shutdowns.
Academic fields of interest
Democratization and use of technology in constitutional democracies.
Position prior to the programme
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Digital Policy.
Idirashe Amanda Chikomba | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree, University of Zimbabwe, in Zimbabwe
Previous experience
I obtained a Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree from the University of Zimbabwe in 2017. I was admitted as a legal practitioner with additional qualifications as a Conveyancer and Notary Public and have been practicing for 5 years with the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). I have experience in both criminal and civil litigation (anti-impunity and public interest litigation) and am an avid researcher and contributor to the literature of ZLHR. I have experience in facilitating training of trainers to Residents Associations for effective service delivery by local authorities in Zimbabwe and participating in parliamentary engagements with legislators to ensure policy reform.
Academic fields of interest
Human rights and service delivery (by local authorities)
Position prior to the programme
Programme Lawyer, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Barbara Lamara Can | Gulu District, Uganda
- Bachelor of Laws, Makerere University Uganda
- Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
- Law Development Centre Uganda and Post Graduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, Uganda Management Institute
Previous experience
I am a member of the Uganda Law Society and East Africa Law Society. As an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, I have represented a number of clients, supported public interest litigation and legal research.
Academic fields of interest
Public interest litigation, legislative drafting and human rights
Position prior to the programme
- Project Lead- Access to Health is My Right, Mental Health Uganda;
- Vice Chairperson Board of Directors, Network of Public Interest Lawyers and Instructor Short law courses Makerere University School of Law.
Mlondi Nsibandze | Mbabane, Eswatini
LLB (UNISWA) - Eswatini
Previous experience
After serving articles of clerkship with the Attorney General's Chambers, I was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of Eswatini. I joined the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow up (NMRF) Unit under Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs responsible for monitoring the Implementation of Human Rights treaties ratified by Eswatini, preparation of treaty implementation reports for treaty bodies consideration and following up of recommendations issued by treaty bodies. whilst serving under the NMRF, I had the privilege to be part of the team that compiled the following country reports: ICCPR, CRC, UPR, CRPD, African Charter, Maputo Protocol amongst others.
Prior to joining the NMRF, I served at the Correctional Services - Legal Affairs Unit that advise on legal matters and human rights standards to be observed. I was part of the team that developed Correctional Services Regulations and other operational instruments.
Academic fields of interest
International and Regional Human Rights Law, with specific focus on human rights mechanisms, treaty reporting and implementation as well as and communications procedure to treaty bodies
Position prior to the programme
Senior State Reporting Officer - National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow up (Ministry of Justice)
Awa Gai | The Gambia
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of The Gambia.
Previous experience
Academic:
- Bar Professional Training Course (acquired a Barrister-at-Law Certificate from The Gambia Law School).
- Intellectual Property Course (acquired a Certificate of distinction in Intellectual Property from the World Intellectual Property Organisation - WIPO).
Professional:
- Girl Centered Incubator Fellow at She's the First, an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that fights for a world where girls are educated, respected and heard.
- Founder, She Awards Gambia, an initiative with key focus on celebrating Gambian women and inspiring girls.
- Contributor, Law Hub Gambia, an independent legal information institution, contributing to the promotion of rule of law, human rights, constitutionalism and good governance in The Gambia.
- Programmes Officer at Safe Hands for Girls, a survivor-led NGO that advocates against female genital mutilation and other forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls.
Academic fields of interest
- Women's human rights,
- Social justice and human rights advocacy
Position prior to the programme
Pupil State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers & Ministry of Justice in The Gambia
Zaharah Msomi | South Africa, Gauteng, Springs
LLB, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Previous experience
In the final year of her degree, Zaharah worked as an intern at Lawyers for Human Rights in the Refugee and Migrant Rights programme. She also forms part of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Youth Club, where her activism is continuously developed and matured.
Academic fields of interest
Whilst human rights is her focal passion, she also has zeal in mainly gender justice, climate change and land reform.
Position prior to the programme
Student at the University of Johannesburg
Kafula Kasonde | Zambia
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), The University of Zambia, Zambia
Previous experience
I am passionate about human rights and began this journey during my undergraduate studies at the University of Zambia were I served as Secretary General of the Students Union and had an opportunity to speak for and represent 26, 000 students and help serve their needs. I have worked with various national and international Civil Society organisations such as ActionAid Zambia, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction and the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes on projects involving women and youth in politics, simplification of laws relating to social and economic rights of Zambians as well as sensitisation on social and economic rights of citizens and particularly those in rural areas. I work for a multidimensional law firm and also work on a part time basis for the university of Zambia as a tutor.
Academic fields of interest
- Human Rights
- Democracy
- Corporate and Business Law
Position prior to the programme
Associate at NCO Advocates, Tutor at the University of Zambia
Joshua Malidzo Nyawa | Kwale County, Kenya
- Postgraduate Diploma(PGD) from Kenya School of Law
- Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Moi University School of Law, Kenya
Previous experience
Before joining the HRDA Programme, Joshua practiced law as an associate advocate at Prof Ojienda and Associates Law firm. Besides litigation, Joshua is a legal researcher and has been featured in various publications.
Academic fields of interest
- Constitutional Law,
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- Human Rights
- Transformative Constitutionalism
- Transformative Adjudication
- Election Law and Administrative Law
Position prior to the programme
Advocate of the High Court
Ntokozo Sibanyoni | Limpopo, South Africa
LLB, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Previous experience
- Legal Writing Tutor, University of Cape Town
- Litigation and Implementation Unit Intern, Centre for Human Rights
Academic fields of interest
Public and human rights law
Position prior to the programme
Intern, Centre for Human Rights
Jonette-Ann Matilda Olufunke Greene | Western Rural Area of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications (with Hons.) from the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College
Previous experience
I have been actively involved in several advocacy activities with the Lady Ellen Women's Aid Foundation: An institution that aims at handling issues of women and girls' violence, abuse, and other human rights issues, by accepting complaints, serving as legal advisor, reporting human rights violations to the Police, and transferring cases to the Legal Aid Board. I had also worked as a researcher for the BDO Advocacy department in Sierra Leone.
My passion for human rights grew through my involvement in reporting on transitional justice issues, monitoring and advocating for press freedom, freedom of expression, and the safety and security of journalists.
Academic fields of interest
Advocacy for women and children's right, Disability right, freedom of Expression and Research.
Position prior to the programme
I was serving as the Programs & Research Assistant of the Media Reform Coordinating Group in Sierra Leone.
Halima Sonda | Mwanga,Kilimanjaro, United Republic of Tanzania
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) University of Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Post Graduate in Legal Practicing, The Law School of United Republic of Tanzania
Previous experience
Counter Trafficking and One UN Joint Programming, Program Assistant (IOM Tanzania)
Migrant Protection, Child Protection focal person (IOM Tanzania)
She is an advocate of High Court with expertise in Legal, Human Rights, Humanitarian Engagement, and Women and Children Rights. Has worked with UN Agencies, NGOS, Public and Private sector, she has developed relevant skills and essential expertise in designing planning, managing and undertaking various development strategies in the sustainable development. Some of her core strength includes, strategic stakeholder engagement, training and facilitation skills, project design, management, and coordination. Budgeting and fund management, leadership, policy development, analysis and advocacy, community
engagement and human resource management.
Academic fields of interest
- Children Protection
- Women Rights
- Counter Trafficking
- Migrant Rights
Position prior to the programme
- Program Assistant: Counter Trafficking and One UN Joint Programming, (IOM Tanzania)
- Migrant Protection, Child Protection focal person (IOM Tanzania)
Lakshita Kanhiya | Bananes village, Grand Port district, The Republic of Mauritius
- Undergraduate degree in Human Rights and International Relations, University of Mauritius (2020)
- Postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Amity University, India (2023)
Previous experience
Lakshita Kanhiya is a dedicated, resilient and eager champion of human rights who has and still firmly stands for sexual minority rights, diversity and inclusion. A strategic advocate, where her activism is grounded on keeping issues of gender, social class, sexuality, race and ability at the forefront of the broader transformation agenda. Lakshita Kanhiya has participated and collaborated in various conferences on SOGIESC locally, regionally and internationally. Currently, she is a Human Rights Advocate at the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius on the Youth Sounding Board. Lakshita Kanhiya is a transformative leader with sharp skills in technical writing, project management, training and development. Her professional involvements were mainly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, National Human Rights Commission, Wazaa FM, Mauritius Telecom, ABinBev, DCDM Research and Young Queer Alliance. Mentionable, both her academic and professional experiences have transformed her into a fast learner with good knowledge and expertise in human rights, research, communication and advocacy, leadership and governance, HIV/AIDS, Gender Based Violence and others.
Academic fields of interest
- Sexual Minority Rights
- Transitional Justice
- Maritime Security
- Digital surveillance and open-source investigation
Position prior to the programme
Manager and Advocate
Chimwemwe Chithope-Mwale | Malawi
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Malawi, Malawi
Previous experience
Additionally, through internships at various public and private institutions, namely the Attorney General's Office, Director of Public Prosecution's Office, Malawi Judiciary, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prison Service, Paralegal Advisory Service Institute and Crown and Duke private law firm, he acquired other experience pertaining to investigation, institution and prosecution of criminal matters, representing and defending the Government, adjudication of disputes, management of penitentiary facilities and dispensing justice at grassroots level in a capacity akin to a paralegal, amongst others.
Academic fields of interest
- Access to justice
- Good governance
- Children’s rights
- Mental health
- Right to life
- Death penalty
- Criminal justice generally
Position prior to the programme
Chief Legal Aid Advocate at Malawi Legal Aid Bureau
Chioma Henrietta Okoli | Nigeria
LLB, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
Previous experience
I am a lawyer, and I have experience in human rights through my work with the National Human rights commission of Nigeria, where I engage in promoting, protecting, and implementing policies on various aspects of human rights, including civil and political rights, women's rights, socio-economic rights, and environmental rights. I have also successfully provided programmatic, research, and legal advisory support to various mechanisms, mandates, and programmes on human rights to the Federal Government of Nigeria, local and international organisations, and citizens. I also have experience using judicial and non-judicial mechanisms to promote and defend the rights of vulnerable people.
Academic fields of interest
- Human rights
Position prior to the programme
Senior Legal Officer at National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria
Daniel Thamsanqa Moyo | Khalanyoni Village (Mangwe District) Zimbabwe
- BSc (Hons) Politics and Public Management at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
- Masters in Public Policy and Development Management at Lupane State University, Zimbabwe
Previous experience
Academically, Daniel graduated with a distinction in BSc (Hons) in Politics and Public Management from Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. He is also a holder of a Master's degree in Public Policy and Development Management from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe. Daniel has worked with various civil society organizations in Zimbabwe that thrive to promote and advance human rights and democracy in that country. He worked for YIELD TRUST as a research and advocacy officer responsible for conducting research on issues that affect youth in Zimbabwean societies. He also worked with Transparency International Zimbabwe on a contract basis as an enumerator responsible for capturing feelings, perceptions, and views regarding corruption in Zimbabwe and how it can be curtailed. Furthermore, Daniel also worked at Bulawayo City Council, where he was responsible for spearheading the pursuit and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 11 in the department of Housing and Community Services.
Academic fields of interest
- Democracy,
- Good governance
- Human Rights (Business and human Rights) Domestic resource mobilisation in Africa
- Public Finance and Development in Africa
- Poverty and development
- Conflict in Africa
Position prior to the programme
Housing Clerk at Bulawayo City Council
Andile Mthombeni | Johannesburg, South Africa
- Honors Degree in Sociology, University of Witwatersrand
- B.A majoring in Sociology and Psychology , University of Witwatersrand
Previous experience
Andile J Mthombeni is currently a class of 2023 HRDA Masters student at the Centre of Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. She has worked as a Research Assistant at the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Human Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She has attended and presented at national and international conferences and co-authored three peer-reviewed research articles. She has put together two Special Issue journals one on Father Connections in South Africa, and a second one as a co-editor on the Studying sexuality special issue published by the SAJHE. Andile co-chaired the inaugural HEAIDS Youth Conference (2017) and was appointed to serve as a board of trustees’ member in the SANAC Civil Society Sector. She is the 2018M&G Young 200 South African future leaders. As of 2020 Andile is a Lifelong Fellow of the Atlantic Fellows for Healthy Equity South Africa at Tekano.
Academic fields of interest
Public Health, Human Rights, GBV, Fatherhood, knowledge production in South African black fatherhood, evidence synthesis, qualitative research methods, young women & girls, gender-based violence, LGBTQIA+, as well as HIV/AIDS.
Position prior to the programme
Research Assistant: Office of Research and Graduate Studies (College of Human Sciences) - UNISA
Philippe Plagbe | Togo
- Master of Laws in International Legal Studies obtained in May 2022 from the American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) in the USA and a
- Bachelor of Laws in Fundamental Private Law obtained in November 2017 at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lome in Togo.
Previous experience
I am a civil society actor who has worked for local and international organisations in Togo, West Africa and the USA notably the Human Rights Training and Documentation Center (CDFDH); Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights (ABA), Human Rights Watch International Justice Program (HRW) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). I am since January 2023 a member of the Youth Advisory Board of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
Academic fields of interest
- Human Rights (Civic space and access to justice)
- International law
Position prior to the programme
Project assistant at the the National Democratic Institute (NDI)
Dinendri Pillay | Gauteng, South Africa
LLB, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Previous experience
Dinendri Pillay (she/her) is an LLB graduate from the University of Pretoria (UP). Winner of the 2020 Christof Heynes African Human Rights Moot and coach of the Price Media and Nuremberg Moot Court Competition UP Law teams, Dinendri’s work has especially concerned the right to Freedom of Expression and International Criminal Law. Dinendri served as Chair of the UP Moot Society (2021-2022) which ranked 1st in Africa and 11th in that year, according to the NICA Law School Ranking system. She has also been a project manager for learning design company DINEO Pact (2021). Working at DINEO Pact not only allowed for development of an array of organisational and leadership skills but also allowed Dinendri to invest more time learning about the developments of the education field. She has been ever-eager to leverage her skills to advance human rights and public interest law spaces
Academic fields of interest
Education
Position prior to the programme
Undergraduate student
Smith Naseri Edumebong | Buea, Cameroo
- LLB (University of Buea, Cameroon)
- LLM (International Law) (University of Buea, Cameroon)
Previous experience
- Programme Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA, Cameroon)
- Information, Counseling and Legal Assistance (ICLA Assistant, Norwegian Refugee Council, Cameroon)
Academic fields of interest
- Human Rights Law
- Humanitarian Intervention
Position prior to the programme
Information, Counseling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Assistant, Norwegian Refugee Council (Cameroon)
Puseletso Mpeisa | Kolo Ha-Mohlalefi, Mafeteng, The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the National University of Lesotho (N.U.L), Roma, Maseru, Lesotho.
Previous experience
Academic:
Puseletso Mpeisa is an award-winning social worker in Lesotho. She is a former Advisory Member of the National University of Lesotho Social Workers Association (NULSWA).
Professional:
Puseletso Mpeisa is an accredited Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapist under Care Africa Network (CAN), a transitional justice enthusiast and mental health advocate. She has worked extensively with numerous Non-Governmental National and International Organizations to advance Human Rights in Lesotho. At an international level, she has participated on international platforms such as African Union (AU) Transitional Justice Continental Forum representing the Southern African Region and the United States Global leadership Gala in Washington, DC. In the United States, she shared the stage with global leaders, including former United States President, President George W. Bush. At the national level, she represents most Basotho adolescents and youth in key decision-making platforms such as the Lesotho Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM). Additionally, she was recognised as one of the Drivers of Change for her selfless work in rural and urban communities of Lesotho, particularly for young people, during the MFDF 5th Annual Drivers of Community Chance Recognition Pinnacle 2019.
Furthermore, she works for Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF) and she is also Programmes Manager and President at AGYW+ (Adolescent Girls and Young Women plus) Foundation Lesotho; African Union Youth Ambassador for Transitional Justice; #GenEndIt Movement Youth Ambassador in Lesotho (1st Cohort) under Restless Development Zimbabwe; DREAMS Ambassador and Volunteer Community Advocate (VCA) under Jhpiego Lesotho; Spark Fund Youth Panelist (Southern Africa) under the Global Fund for Children (GFC); HER Voice Fund (HVF) AGYW -LEAD in Lesotho; Partner Social Worker at Sesotho Media and Development (SM&D); she also served as Independent Electoral Commission (I.E.C) Lesotho’s Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Operator and Voting Station Officer for Phoqoane No.53 Constituency in Mafeteng, Lesotho. Subsequently, she was a former Children’s Parliamentarian for World Vision Lesotho (2017-2020). Lastly, she is a former Social Work intern at the Master of the High Court (2019), the Child and Gender Protection Unit (C.G.P.U) at Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) Mafeteng Police Station (2018) and the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) in Mafeteng (2017).
Academic fields of interest
- Children Protection
- Transitional Justice
- Women’s rights
- Key populations’ rights
- Democracy
- Human rights advocacy
- Research and policy analysis
Position prior to the programme
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Programmes Coordinator and President at Mosepele Foundation Development Forum (MFDF).
Waris Asmal | Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
LLB - University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Previous experience
Waris is a passionate, goal-driven human rights lawyer who is interested in governance and socio-economic rights. A tactical lawyer, where his activism is grounded in protecting and promoting the legitimate demands of citizens from their governments. Waris Asmal has, through his time in student politics and as an intern and associate at Bowmans, developed strong skills in technical legal writing, legal research, project management and persuasive argumentation. He holds an LLB degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and has passed all four of his Attorneys Admission Exams, choosing not to apply for admission into the profession. His professional involvement with South African law spanned the field of Labour law, Governance, Compliance and Investigations and Telecommunications. Waris has dealt with matters in various Courts and Tribunals, from the CCMA to the Labour Appeal Courts and has experience with misconduct and state capture at parastatals. Importantly, Waris has had extensive training and involvement with debating and public speaking organizations, which transformed him into a critical thinker with broad knowledge and persuasive advocacy skills.
Academic fields of interest:
- Constitutionalism
- Governance and Local Government
- International Law
- Nuclear weapons and use of robotic technology in conflict
Position prior to the programme
Associate - Labour Department in Bowmans
Makomborero Carl Muropa | Harare, Zimbabwe
LLB Laws (Hons) Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe
Previous experience
Co-created leadership and constitutionalism course for Section Led a research on Constitutional awareness in Zimbabwe for theSpace Worked on legal drafting as a legal Intern at Danziger & Partners.
Academic fields of interest:
- Businesses & Human Rights
- Environmental Rights,
- Development Finance
- Constitutionalism in Africa
Position prior to the programme
Programmes Officer, Section7
Mitiku Asfaw | Ethiopia
LLB , Haramaya University Ethiopia
Previous experience
As soon as I graduated, I was employed as an assistant lecturer at the University of Gondar till I came to University of Pretoria.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights law
Position prior to the programme
Prior to joining the HRDA Programme, I was a Lecturer at university of Gondar
Safa Idress | Khartoum-Sudan
LLB University of Khartoum Sudan
Previous experience
Soon after graduation, I started working as a paralegal at the People's Legal Aid Centre, which offers free legal services to marginalized groups in Sudan, particularly women, until I called to the bar in 2019, then I joined as a legal officer. I moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2021 and spent a year working as a legal advisor for a business. After realizing that commercial law was not my area of interest, I quit my position and returned to Sudan to resume my beloved work at the People's Legal Aid Centre.
I continued working until I was nominated to the Institute of Human Rights and Development in Africa (The Gambia), where I was offered a position as a legal fellow for six months, which concluded in November 2022.
Academic fields of interest
- Women Rights,
- Enviromental Rights
- Business and Human Rights
Position prior to the programme
Legal Officer
Akot Makur Chuot | Lakes State, South Sudan
Bachelor of Laws, University of Juba, South Sudan.
Previous experience
- Alumnus of and winner of the 3rd South Sudan/ICRC National Moot Court on International Humanitarian Law, 2021.
- Alumnus of the 20th All African Competition in International Humanitarian Law.
- Participant of the 19th International Humanitarian Law Essay Competition for Eastern African Universities.
- Legal Assistant at City Law & Co. Advocates (2022-2023).
- Teaching Assistant, School of Law, University of Juba: 2023-
- Advocate and member of South Sudan Bar Association: 2024-
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Humanitarian Law, and Cyber Law
Position prior to the programme
Teaching Assistant and Legal Assistant
Zekhethelo Cele | Richards Bay, South Africa
B. Laws (Bachelor of Laws) - University of Zululand, South Africa
Previous experience
My professional experience began at ProBono.Org as a volunteer which led me to being their paralegal and legal intern at their Durban and Cape Town offices, respectively. Soon after passing my attorney admission board exams in 2016/17, I started working as a paralegal intern for the National Assembly: Parliament of South Africa for a year where I gained knowledge in public system policy and constitutional development., which allowed me to work as a legal intern briefly at the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, however, my passion for human rights litigation and immigration law stayed with me and i changed course and started working as a candidate attorney for Lawyers for Human Rights, Durban Law clinic in 2018 after which they retained me as their clinic attorney specializing in Refugee and Migrants Rights Program and Penal Reform/Immigration Detention Program which I am very passionate about.
Academic fields of interest:
Advancement of Human Rights in Africa, Immigration Law, Penal Reform, International Human Rights Law with a specific focus to forced migration and Refugees.
Position prior to the programme
Attorney at Lawyers for Human Rights
Mayen Mangok Ruop Mayen | Tonj South County, Republic of South Sudan
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Juba, Republic of South Sudan
Previous experience
Advocate & Legal Consultant in the Republic of South Sudan and worked with top law firms in the country, including Ajo & Co. Advocates, City Law & Co. Advocates. Worked as Consultant with Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. Co-founder of Human Rights organisation called Citizen's Eye for Transparency and Accountability (CETA). Participated in various Moot Court Competitions including National Rounds for All Africa Human Rights Moot, ICRC All Africa IHL Moot, Philip C. Jessup Moot, and International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition (ICCMCC). Member of Environmental Law Committee for East African Law Society (EALS).
Academic fields of interest:
Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law, International Human Rights Law and International Law.
Position prior to the programme
Legal Advisor at MTN South Sudan.
Zororai Nkomo | Midlands Province, Zimbabwe
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Cum Laude (UNISA) South Africa (2021).
National Diploma in Mass Communications from Harare Polytechnic (Zimbabwe) (2014)
National Certificate in Further Education Trainer's Cerificate from Harare Polytechnic (Zimbabwe)
Previous experience
Zororai Nkomo is a lawyer, former Public Prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, Journalist and Former News Editor for Zimbabwe's First Private Radio Station, social Justice Activist, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Activist, Mandela Washington Fellow and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Leadership Alumnus.
Academic fields of interest:
Research, Media Freedom, Human Rights, Anti-Trafficking in Persons.
Position prior to the programme
Public Prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe.
Fenot Mekonen | Salale,Oromia,Ethiopia
LLB Degree from Haramaya University College of Law,Ethiopia
Previous experience
Women affairs head for Haramaya University peace forum and Vice-President for Haramaya University English club and Legal intern for Ethiopian human rights commission ,Paralegal for UNHRC and volunteer for Ethiopian Women lawyer association
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights law,Gender law and Refugee law
Position prior to the programme
Legal intern/Paralegal/Volunteer
Omar is a gay Namibian civil rights and LGBTQ+ activist, with a passion for social justice and community organizing. They hold a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and Gender & Sexuality Studies from the State University of New York (SUNY). At SUNY they were elected as the first international student Vice President of the largest student government in the United States. As a student activist they were instrumental in championing policies that addressed gender equality, police brutality, environmental and racial justice issues across New York. As a former intern for Senator Charles Schumer and Field Organizer for Dana Balter’s Congressional campaign, Omar has extensive knowledge and experience in policy law and grassroots campaign organizing- which they hope to translate in uplifting policies and communities disenfranchised by the political system. In March 2021, Omar co-founded Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement fighting for LGBTQ+ Constitutional rights. At the helm of the movement they were instrumental in pushing the national government to abolish apartheid-era the Sodomy Law, campaigned for political parties to reform their manifestos and include LGBTQ+ equality and testified at the nation’s first Parliamentary Public hearing on legalizing safe abortions. Their advocacy efforts have championed multiple LGBTQ+ court cases resulted in the High Court recognizing sexual orientation and gender identity as a prohibited ground of discrimination.
As a Master’s alum from the Human Rights and Democratization in Africa program, Omar hopes to use this degree to end State-Sanctioned Homophobic policies in Namibia, and envision a Republic where LGBTQ+ persons are emancipated from the shackles of discrimination. Omar believes LGBTQ+ rights is the civil rights issue of our generation, that is why they expect the HRDA program to be more than just about politics, but about having a cross-cultural understanding and awareness of what’s happening within our institutions and society.
The future is calling, it demands justice, and it demands equality. This depends not on how we understand past oppressions or idealize a future government that works for us all, but it depends on how we act in the present- in the present there is no freedom if there is no equality
In 2016, I completed a Bachelor's degree in public law (Licence fondamentale en Droit public) at the Faculty of Legal, Political and Social Sciences of Tunis (University of Carthage, Tunisia).
I have a 6-year professional experience in project management and coordination, finance and administration, fundraising, M&E and legal research within different human rights organisations. Prior to joining the programme, I worked as a technical legal assistant at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia, from November 2019 to November 2021.
Reda Benkhadra is a human rights enthusiast, and has accumulated more than five years of experience with civil society organizations and public entities. Reda holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. In his different roles, he contributed to advance digital rights and support local development through community engagement, research and advocacy. His areas of research and interest include governance, institution building and strengthening, development and access to fundamental human rights. In pursuing the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa programme, Reda aspires to deepen his knowledge and practical skills using human rights and pan-African lenses, and looks forward to being part of the HRDA community, through which he hopes to build relationships with other peers and explore ways to bring transformational change across the continent.
Gerald is a Liberian lawyer, researcher, and civil society actor. He currently serves as Program Manager at the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), the local chapter of Transparency International. He has over nine (9) years of experience in civil society. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Liberia and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours from the same University. He is a member of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA). Gerald is excited to return to South Africa after three (3) previous work-related visits and already sees the country as his second home. He is looking forward to exploring more about human rights with the HRDA program, particularly how corruption affects realization of human rights. Gerald is a firm believer in God, a Roman Catholic, and a pianist.
Sinésio is a Mozambican lawyer trained at Eduardo Mondlane University. Prior to joining the HRDA programme, he worked as an associate at the Maputo-based law firm TPLA – Taciana Peão Lopes Advogados & Associados, Lda., where he focused his practice on key areas for sustainable development, most notably energy and projects. Apart from private practice, he is an active member of a non-profit organization (Associação de Informação Jurídica – Jus Moz) devoted to the empowerment of ordinary people through the promotion of legal awareness. His expectation of the programme is that the same equips him with the theoretical underpinnings and practical skills required to effectively address development-related human rights and democratization concerns from an African perspective. Furthermore, he is keen to forge lasting relationships with human rights defenders from around the continent and eminent human rights academics from around the world.
Originally from Ethiopia, Elim holds a Bachelors of Arts in International Politics and a certificate in Human Needs and Global Resources from Wheaton College in IL, USA. She has spent time as a legal intern for a Latin American NGO where she conducted research analyzing the legal protections for women and children vulnerable to family violence, domestic violence and femicide. In 2018 and 2019 she published her research in the Midwestern Political Science Association as well as the International Conference of Gender and Women’s Studies hosted in Malaysia. Elim also spent some time serving as a case manager for undocumented child migrants who crossed the southern Mexican border and reunited them with their families in the United States. She most recently founded a non-profit aiming to unite African and African - Diaspora communities across the world to come together to catalyse the flourishing of the global African community. Elim hopes to leverage the Masters of Human Rights and Democratisation to further advance her vision that initially fed her non-profit, and to deepen her values that were already embedded from her prior work experience: that a united African people, with truth and kindness at the centre, can become the beacon of change for humanity at large.
Zanele is a 22-year-old first-generation South African with Zimbabwean roots. In 2019 she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in International Relations and Law, then went on to complete her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg two years later. In 2021, Zanele worked as a legal researcher with Corruption Watch South Africa. In the same year she was also selected to be a mentee with the prestigious South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges. In October 2021, Zanele graduated as a fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative - Regional Leadership Center in Southern Africa and officially joined its network of youth leaders on the continent. Currently, Zanele serves as a Youth Advisory Panelist for the United Nations Population Fund in South Africa.
With a keen interest in the areas of Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law and Refugee Law, Zanele hopes to contribute towards policy reform in the country to enable a more inclusive and democratic society. Through her involvement in the HRDA programme, Zanele expects to deepen her knowledge and be exposed to thought-leaders in these areas of law to enable her to better fulfill her career aspirations in service of her country and continent.
Kennedy Owor is a human-rights lawyer, legal innovator, passionate African, and a top Bachelor of Laws (LLB) graduate from Uganda Christian University with good research skills in English. Kennedy also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Bar Course) from Law Development Centre and is currently employed at Legal Hub Uganda with a double role as a Legal Officer and the Innovations Lead; and an associate at Elau & Ochom Co. Advocate and Legal Consultant. His work experience over the past three years has revolved around promotion and protection of human rights, access to justice, and the use of an inclusive innovative justice solution to help build capacities on human rights knowledge in Uganda and across East Africa. Kennedy is also a rapporteur for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (Uganda & South Sudan), and a fellow at the John Sentamu Institute for Human Rights at Uganda Christian University. Kennedy secured national awards for Legal Hub Uganda with the “Legal Podcast” innovation which has been a game-changer in fighting ignorance of the law and promoting human right awareness in Uganda. In October 2020, Kennedy as the lead innovator for Legal Hub Uganda won the Legal Aid Innovations Challenge 2020 for having the best solution in promoting access to justice, a precious accolade awarded by the Chief Justice of Uganda. Kennedy is a candidate for LL.M Human Rights & Democratization in Africa (HRDA) at University of Pretoria; he expects to understand human rights and democracy from the African perspective and gain skills that would propel him to a world-class human right practitioner. He expects to write papers, dissertation, participate in moots and debates addressing problems during the course. Kennedy hopes to share his experiences on human rights and democracy from Uganda with the class and his immediate ambition on completion of the programme is to strengthen skills and competencies of the people on human right understanding in Uganda by setting up a community-based Human Rights Organisation and Innovation Hub that will groom sustainable trainer-of-trainers and innovators in the promotion of human rights awareness, child and women protection.
Olabisi is an anti-corruption enthusiast and a development practitioner. In particular, she was one of the researchers for the Nigeria Corruption Index, a survey on grand corruption in Nigeria, carried out by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the research and training arm of the ICPC. She has also been involved in developing proposals as well as preparation of budgets, schedules and work plans in anti-corruption studies and related areas.
Olabisi obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja where she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019.
Olabisi believes that the knowledge gained from LLM Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa would enable her conduct the right research and investigation. It will also empower her to provide the necessary policy support in her domain for the anti-corruption war in Nigeria, especially in strengthening the anti-corruption policy framework in politics as they are recognized as being pivotal to human rights enjoyment. The gains from this programme will further set her on the path of human rights and anti-corruption leadership development.
Henok holds an LLB degree from Addis Ababa University with very great distinction. He is currently serving as In-House Attorney and Project Officer at Ethiopian Labour Rights Watch, which is the first CSO in Ethiopia specialising on labour rights issues. He also volunteers at Addis Ababa University’s Legal Aid Centre to provide legal assistance to indigent clients.
He hopes that attending the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) program at the University of Pretoria Centre for Human Rights will enable him to acquire the substantive knowledge, versatile skills and valuable networks necessary to work in the human rights field and contribute towards the betterment of human rights conditions in his country.
Afua Duah is half Ghanaian and half Mosotho. She is a hardworking, warm hearted young lady who is intentional about the work that she does. Afua’s human rights advocacy extends itself to issues including disability, abuse against women, education and creating human rights programmes in rural areas. She has worked within various communities within Soweto in Gauteng, and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. She is persistent, consistent, and resilient and encourages interaction with the women and children she works with, whether it be within communities or organisations.
Afua holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies which she obtained at Stellenbosch University (SU). Her passion towards advancing human rights through social justice and instilling human dignity is evident in her involvement in student committees as the Human Rights coordinator for Amnesty International Stellenbosch as well United Nations Associations South Africa (UNASA) during her time at SU.
In August of 2019, she was chosen as a participant in a human rights training programme orchestrated by the World Federations United Nations, which was held at the United Nations headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.
She was also involved in her faculty student body committee where she was the Social Impact coordinator. Furthermore, her service at SU during her undergraduate degree led to her being a recipient of a Rector’s Award for Social Impact. This was awarded to her in 2020 by the Vice Chancellor of SU, Wim De Villiers. Afua has also been awarded with two Kofi-Annan awards from UNASA for her involvement in human rights.
In the year 2022, Afua will be pursuing an LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. She believes that the programme will be beneficial in her pursuit towards advocating and mitigating human rights issues in Africa, specifically her two home countries, Ghana and Lesotho.
Bernice Asante, also known as AJ, hails both from Ghana and Rwanda, and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the Grand Canyon University in the U.S.A, Arizona, and a Master of Jurisprudence in Rule of Law for Development from the Loyola University Chicago, in Rome Italy. In addition to this, She is a human rights advocate with more than two years of experience working as a legal, communications and publications fellow at the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA). In her capacity as a legal, communications and publications fellow, Bernice (AJ) conducted research in supporting IHRDA’s legal work, including but not limited to sensitization and advocacy activities on the organizations children and women’s rights related projects. Prior to this, she also participated in the Model United Nations program, where she represented Kazakhstan as a delegate, and drafted and submitted resolutions regarding ecological issues in the Middle East. Apart from her professional career, Bernice (AJ), is also a musician who enjoys playing classical Piano, Violin and Flute in her free time. Along with music, she also participated in the world taekwondo championships, representing Kenya, to which she won the bronze medal.
With the privilege of being selected to participate in the 2022 HRDA program, and a passion for human rights, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how to apply human rights theories and systems in further advancing the rule of law and preventing the frequent occurrences of human rights violations all over the African continent. In addition to this, I am also looking forward to meeting and connecting with fellow human rights advocates, in further pushing the common goal of achieving agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want.
Farirai Sibanda holds an LLB Honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe. She currently serves as the Transitional Justice Specialist at the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, which is also the secretariat of the National Transitional Justice Working Group in Zimbabwe. She is also a Social Media Editor at the Human Rights Pulse where she contributes to building human rights knowledge across the world. Farirai has an interest in transitional justice inspired by the realisation that past human rights violations must be addressed to entrench a culture of respect, protection, and promotion of human rights. She has contributed to transitional justice in Zimbabwe by producing knowledge tools such as policy papers and facilitating engagements of communities, legislators, policy makers and bodies responsible for policy implementation among other initiatives. Through her participation in the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa program, Farirai hopes to harness her analysis, research, and advocacy skills for use in her work towards advocating for policy and legislative reform in Africa to ensure respect for human rights and accountability for human rights perpetrators across the continent.
Shyreen holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, obtained from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. She is employed as a Principal Resident Magistrate in the Malawi Judiciary and administratively works as the Acting Registrar of the Industrial Relations Court. Shyreen is also the Liaison and Communications Officer for Women Judges Association of Malawi (WOJAM) a body corporate of all female judicial officers in Malawi. She also serves as a board member for White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood in Malawi (WRASM), a non-governmental organization promoting reproductive, maternal and newborn health rights. In pursuance of the Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) programme, Shyreen looks forward to gaining useful insights on the multinational approaches in furtherance of human rights and access to justice in Africa and beyond, with special interest on the prosecution of human rights violations. She aspires to be a High Court Judge and believes that the HRDA will contribute immensely towards her work as an adjudicator and build a professional foundation in carrying out research, legal and policy formulation and interpretation, and implementation of public work. She is highly certain that the HRDA will equip her with a more structured and focused approach and will make her work more impactful and contribute towards substantive transformational change in the protection of human rights, through the decisions that will come from her court.
Eva Abugabe is an accomplishing yet modest young Ghanaian development practitioner with over 5 years progressive practical growing-working experience, competent skills development and appreciable knowledge gathering on gender, equity and social inclusion; democratic governance; mediation and transitional justice. Eva has worked with government entities and multiple international and local civil-society organisations in diverse ways such as Amnesty International; the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund; the Institute for Democratic Governance; Centre for Democratic Governance; Transparency International; Action Aid; Women in Law and Development in Africa; UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security and the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection. Through these, she has significantly contributed her share to the efforts to among others, safeguard sexual and reproductive health rights; realise Affirmative Action policies; consolidate development and political stability and; increase women’s participation in political governance and the peace and security spaces especially in Ghana. Building on these experiences, Eva aspires to be an outstanding African voice on Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion; Democratic Development; and Security issues. Hence, Eva believes that an MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, is a perfect cause for her transformation as an effective Human Rights Defender particularly, with strong perspectives in gender-sensitive frameworks; research and data analytics; advocacy; and people-centred human right policies ultimately, towards the promotion and protection of people’s development and dignity especially of marginalised groups in Africa and beyond. Eva is both an alumna of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Eva loves admiring nature and helping others, especially through volunteerism.
Meron Eshetu holds a bachelor degree in law from Dilla University, Ethiopia. She has been actively involved in a variety of activities that aim to promote human rights, notably women and children rights and provides pro-bono legal services to women and girls that are unable to afford legal fees. The Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) programme matches up with her future plan of being a human rights Expert and will provide her with an ample opportunity for an intensive research on the subject; especially that she will be researching under the guidance of renowned professionals in the field of human rights.
Jonas SINDANI is a young Congolese lawyer involved in the defense of human rights, justice and the rule of law within Congolese youth movements. He preaches to young people and other members of the community about rights and freedoms, peace and peaceful cohabitation in the eastern DRC, a conflict zone. Participating in this program will allow me to acquire additional training in human rights in order to strengthen my sense of analysis and forge my understanding of human rights issues, so as to be more effective in my professional project. Thus, the mastery of human rights issues and international legal standards for a more effective implementation of their protection, will allow me to focus my advocacy on the respect of human rights as a condition for peace and strengthening the rule of law and democracy in the DRC in particular and in Africa in general.
Emmanuel Ekiru Tioko is a human rights enthusiast and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law. He previously worked both as a Graduate Assistant and an Associate Editor at the Strathmore Law School. Before that, he worked as a Programme Assistant at Katiba Institute (KI) which is reputed as Kenya’s leading human rights and democratic governance focused Non-Governmental Organization.
Tioko’s areas of research interest include: Transformative Constitutionalism, Human Rights Law, Administrative Law, Media Law, Oil and Gas Law, African Legal Theory, and Socio-Economic Rights. He hopes that the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) at the University of Pretoria will influence and deepen his understanding and burning desire of building a movement that uses law as a tool for transformation of states and societies especially within the African continent.
Florence Otieno is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a fellow of the East Africa Emerging Public Interest Advocates Programme, a Board Member of the Young Women Leadership Institute- Kenya and the Institute of Public Finance Kenya and a member of the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya Section. She holds an LL.B from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. Florence currently works at the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness Kenya (CREAW) as a project lawyer. Florence looks forward to enhancing her knowledge and practical skills in the human rights field and she strongly believes that obtaining a masters degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) will deepen her understanding of human rights and help her in influencing policies and laws and also assist her into taking actions that bring positive changes in society.
Farouk Adedoyin is an alumnus of the Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where he did his Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB). After his LLB, he worked as an Intern Legal Researcher at the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice in the Republic of Sierra Leone. He also lectured Constitutional and Administrative Law as well as Business Law at the Institute of Management and Policy Administration. In pursuing the Master's of Law (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA), Farouk looks forward to improving his research and advocacy skills to further push for the protection and promotion of Freedoms of The Person, Good Governance and the Rule of Law across Africa.
Justin Monyping Ater,is a South Sudanese national who holds a Bachelor of laws from the University of Juba, school of law, with first Division. Was 2019 best national essayist in the international Humanitarian law for Eastern African Universities essay writing competition;2019 best national oralist in the IHL national moot court competition;2019 top three best oralist in the All Africa moot court competition held in Arusha, Tanzania. He further participated in the ICC moot court competition in The Hague, The Netherlands, held online. Both a licensed Advocate before all courts of law and a Human Rights activist with LAW AND ADVOCACY SOUTH SUDAN(LASS). He believes that a deeper understanding of this said programme(LLM in HRDA) will enable him to fight in opening the eyes of and doors for the most vulnerable people in his country and beyond.
Benjamin Mekinde Tonga | Cameroon
Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) and a Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Law from the University of Buea. He is a Human Rights and Advocacy Programs Manager with the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA). He is passionate about Human Rights Advocacy and litigation, democracy, rule of law and access to fundamental human rights.
Benedict Wandeto Wachira | Kenya
Wachira is a human rights and social justice activist. He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and he also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK). His mission in life is to struggle against all forms of oppression and exploitation of person by person in Kenya and beyond.
Sanele Sibanda | ???????? Zimbabwe
I am a Zimbabwean national who graduated with an LLB degree from the University of South Africa. I am highly passionate about Human Rights, particularly the right to education. Having volunteered for five years to make assylum seekers and refugees realise their right to education in South Africa; no other course perfectly suit the needs of prospective human rights advocate like Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA), in solidifying their research and advocacy skills to bring about visible impacts in Africa and the world at large.
Zwelithini Eugene Xaba | ???????? Zimbabwe
Zwe is a public interest lawyer and aspiring academic from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They have 3 years of experience working in Human rights litigation and research at the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, GALZ, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation Zimbabwe and the Masiye-Moyo Law Offices. Their primary litigation and research interests are in SOGIESC, Criminal Justice, AI and the African Court. Zwe holds an LLB with Honors from MSU and a Diploma in the law of the WTO. Prior to joining the program, they were a legal advisor to the Board of Directors of the Intersex Advocates of Zimbabwe.
Liesl Heila Muller | ???????? South Africa
I am Liesl Muller, from South Africa. I am an attorney who specializes in nationality law and strategic litigation. I have a keen interest in the law and politics of belonging and I love promoting access to nationality in Africa.
Amy Beatrice Tuchten | South Africa
I am a 23-year-old, South African, LLM HRDA student. I recently fulfilled the requirements for an LLB at the University of Cape Town. Most of my human rights-based experiences have been in community activism and volunteer work. I hope to learn how to successfully contribute to the implementation of human rights initiatives that are empowering, sustainable, and that elevates each affected person's inherent dignity.
Hilma Ndinelago Moses | ???????? Namibia
Hilma Moses, is schooled in law, having completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB) at the University of Namibia. Prior to joining the HRDA programme she worked as a Human Rights Officer for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Hilma previously served the African Union Commission, Department of Political Affairs (Human Rights and Transitional Justice Cluster) as a Junior Political Officer and as a Human Rights Associate in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Apart from her work in the international development context, she is the founder of a social impact initiative called Namibian Opportunities, an online platform and community that provides young people access to personal and professional development opportunities.
Siphiwe Phoya | ???????? Malawi
Siphiwe is a Malawian lawyer who holds an LLB(Hons) from the University of Malawi. Siphiwe has a 6-year working experience in which she has worked as a legal practitioner and largely as a Law Reform Officer at the Malawi Law Commission. She has a diploma in Legislative drafting. Siphiwe is interested in the HRDA programme because it will equip her with the knowledge and skill to make her job in promoting and protecting Human rights through law reform and other many other means be from an informed position and successful.
Davina Murden | Mauritius
Passionate about politics, Davina Murden holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Mauritius. After her degree, she got the opportunity to be part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), funded by the US Embassy and held in South Africa for one month. She has also been among the first Mauritians to be part of the African Presidential Leadership Programme (APLP) in Egypt, sponsored by its government. Driven by the will to reshape the African continent, she became the first Country Liaison for Mauritius at the Young Politicians and Leaders Network, based in Ghana, which has the aim of bringing together African leaders who think together for solutions in Africa. She is also a former member of a political party where she helped in the organisation of awareness campaigns/debates which need close attention in Mauritian society like drugs, inequality or even the environment.
Rado Nirina Harintsoa Rakotosamimanana | Madagascar
Rado Harintsoa Rakotosamimanana is a Human Rights and Governance Expert at Organisation international de la Francophonie, Madagascar. He has been involved in projects promoting democracy, good governance, rule of law and Human rights and gives technical support to the Government of Madagascar. He works at the same time as a Public Relations Manager for a Pan-African organization promoting gender equity and social inclusion. Rado is a feminist and combats violence as he considers himself as a Peacebuilder and focuses more on GBV in Madagascar. He recently co-wrote the project of enforcement decree of the law on GBV. He is at the same time one of the awardees of a grant from the U.S State Department in which he tackles with the team the violence against women.
Melissa Kathleen Wanjiru Mungai | ???????? Kenya
I am an aspiring human rights activist and legal scholar. In these capacities, I have interned at COMESA (Zambia), Commonwealth Secretariat (London), Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (Kenya), Hivos (Kenya), Strathmore Law School (Kenya). I have a growing interest in public law especially matters of national security as attested by my publishing footprint. The HRDA programme will help me frame research questions in my area of interest using human rights and pan-African lenses.
Christian Nduwayo | Burundi
Christian Nduwayo, LLB. Born and raised in Burundi. I am a Lawyer with six years of experience in Human Rights and Advocacy, and currently working as a Research and Advocacy Program Manager with a queer-led organization dealing with issues around inclusion, social justice and SOGIE through research and advocacy in order to inform laws and policies, community support and engagement to enact social change and enabling effective partnerships at local, national and regional levels.
Ashina Ntenga Mtsumi | Kenya
My name is Ashina Ntenga Mtsumi, a human rights lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. I hold a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi. Passionate about social justice, I have worked in the human rights sector for five years, carrying out research and advocacy on economic, social and cultural rights. In particular, I focused on the international human rights legal framework relating to the rights to land, housing, education, health and water, for marginalised communities.
Thobekile Matimbe | Zimbabwe
Thobekile Matimbe holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of South Africa. She serves as Community Manager at Paradigm Initiative and is a human rights lawyer with over 10 years of legal and civic engagement experience. In her role, she advances digital rights and inclusion in Africa through community engagement, research and advocacy. She is passionate about promoting human rights and advancing digital inclusion for all. She is a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow and serves as the Board Chairperson for Emthonjeni Women’s Forum in Zimbabwe where she contributes to fostering a gender-based violence-free society.
Lihle Edith Mabuza | South Africa
Lihle Mabuza is a civil servant from South Africa. She currently works for the Human Rights Directorate in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) focusing on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. She expects the HRDA Programme to provide an opportunity for her to improve her skills in the field of human rights and afford her the requisite edge to substantively contribute towards the ongoing efforts of advancing the global agenda on human rights.
Christian Mihigo Fazili | Democratic Republic of Congo
Christian Fazili Mihigo is a young Lawyer from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from The University of Goma with Distinction (2016). He works also as a Teacher/Assistant and Researcher at the University of Goma. He assists Professors and teaches at the same University and other Institutes of Higher Education in the city of Goma. He is also an Activist of civil society and Human rights defender, he assists and defends the victims of human rights violations in his community. He is the Laureate of the 2020 Hope Prize for his commendable actions and his leadership acting within Congolese civil society.
Andrews Kwame Darklo | Ghana
Kwame Andrews Daklo is a person with albinism and a disability rights advocate with a focus on albinism. He is the current Albinism Program Coordinator at Engage Now Africa and Project Officer for Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA). Kwame holds a BA Social Studies degree from the University of Education, Winneba with four years of advocacy experience on the rights of persons with albinism in Ghana and beyond. Kwame s a YALI RLC Alumni as well Obama Foundation Leaders Africa program participant. Kwame is a professionally trained teacher and has since been teaching about his own condition – Albinism, in the community. He is passionate about the rights and welfare of persons with albinism in Africa.
Bwalya Chisanga | ???????? Zambia
Bwalya Chisanga holds an LLB and a license to practice as an Advocate of the High Court for Zambia. She currently serves as board member-legal of the Media Network on Children's Rights and Development, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on children's rights and development in Zambia, and previously served as consultant for the Institute of Human Rights and Development in Africa under the African Children Charter Project. She has also worked as a consultant on the USAID-funded Open Doors Project for members of the key population under Family Health International 360-Zambia. Bwalya is passionate about human rights, international development and democracy.
Abdulmalik Bello | ???????? Nigeria
Abdulmalik Bello is a Solicitor and Advocate of the Nigerian Bar and the Executive Director of Rights Advocacy and Youths Development Initiative; a non-profit organization that majorly renders free legal and rehabilitation services to indigent inmates in Nigeria. He is currently an Associate at Atalanta Partners, Abuja where he specializes in Criminal Litigation. Abdulmalik is keen on making justice accessible to the downtrodden in rural communities in Nigeria with a focus on Criminal Justice and Human Rights.
Ruddy Fualefeh Morfaw Azanu | Cameroon
A Cameroonian and has been a researcher and human rights activist with the Cameroon National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF), Southwest Region. Holds an LLM (First Class) and LLB from the University of Buea, Cameroon. A debater, poet and passionate about art and advocacy.
Robert Akoto Amoafo | Ghana
Robert Amoafo is a human rights advocate, an organizational and personal development expert and a certified Learning and Performance Institute Trainer. Before enrolling on the HRDA Programme, he served as the Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Information Studies. Looking forward to learning the theoretical framework of human rights to back my practical experience while building new networks across Africa.
Charles Kajoloweka | Malawi
Charles Kajoloweka is a frontline human rights activist, founder and executive director of Youth and Society (YAS), a non-profit human rights and governance watchdog in Malawi. Charles has also been a recipient of the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). He is also a recipient of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), Austria. In 2019, Charles was appointed as Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 16 under the “16x16 Youth Initiative” led by the UNDP and Government of Italy aimed at advancing youth drive in the implementation of the SDG16 Agenda.
Adeboye Opeyemi Adegoke | Nigeria
Adeboye Adegoke is Senior Program Manager at Paradigm initiative where he works at the intersection of technology and human rights, leading on strategic advocacy engagements, research and capacity building programs. He is an alumnus of the African School on Internet Governance, a member of the Advisory Network for the Freedom Online Coalition and a member of the Taskforce on Artificial intelligence and Human Rights. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Nigeria.
Olum Lornah Afoyomungu | Uganda
Olum Lornah Afoyomungu is a Ugandan lawyer and writer working as a Programme Manager, Training and Curriculum Developer at the African Development Law Institute. Her role involves conceptualizing, planning and delivering seminars in the area of international law and development to a variety of stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala. She is committed, through her scholarly works, to surfacing the voice of the African woman in international law and highlighting the ways in which international law reproduces the marginalization of women. Her articles have been published by Makerere Law Journal and the Leaders’ Journal under the auspices of Akina Mama Wa Afrika.
Ramatoulie Jallow | Botswana
Ramatoulie Isatou Jallow holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Botswana and is an attorney admitted to practice in the High Court of Botswana. She has four years of experience in civil and public interest litigation as well as human rights having worked as a Legal Officer at the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) and later as an Associate Attorney at Ndadi Law Firm. Ramatoulie is passionate about international peace and security, particularly conflict prevention and resolution. In light of this, she is the Founder of a newly established initiative titled “Peace by Peace,” which is focused on pre-conflict peacebuilding and creating a sustainable peace culture through community education and advocacy in Botswana.
Nahaja Rahma Adam | Ghana
My name is Nahaja R. Adam. I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra and a Qualifying Certificate in Law (QCL) from the Ghana School of Law. I work as a Lawyer at The Fair Justice Initiative, a non-profit in Accra that provides free legal representation to inmates of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison and seeks to help combat discrimination against current and former inmates
Country / Where did you grow up:
Pretoria, South Africa
Academic qualifications:
BA International Relations and Diplomacy (UNISA, South Africa),
Honours in International Politics (UNISA, South Africa)
Experience:
Joshua has expertise in engaging with issues of diversity in sex, gender, and sexuality as well as public health. He has extensive strategic advocacy and capacity-strengthening experience at a local, regional, and international levels, particularly in working with human rights institutions.
Academic fields of interest:
Socio-economic rights, human rights systems, marginalised communities, strategic advocacy
Position prior to the programme:
Advocacy and Programs Manager, Iranti
Country / Where did you grow up:
Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
1. LLB, Civil Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria.
2. BL, Nigerian Law School Lagos, MSC Oil and Gas Management, South American University, Delaware, United States of America.
Experience:
I have served as President and Secretary General of Nigeria Model United Nations. I have equally in the recent pasts represented Nigeria in international youth debates in United States of America (Washington, New York, Philadelphia), London, and Qatar, Middle East Asia. Prior to my coming here, I was a practising human rights lawyer based in Abuja, Nigeria.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights, Good Governance, Oil and Gas
Position prior to the programme:
Associate Counsel, F.M Ofoku & Associates, Life Camp, Abuja, Nigeria.
Lecturer and Legal Research Assistant, Cavendish University, Uganda
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kampala, Uganda
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws Degree(LLB), Uganda Christian University(Uganda), Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice(Advocates Training Programme), Kenya School of Law, Kenya
Experience:
Advocate-W.J.Ithondeka & Co. Advocates, Intern lawyer-W.J.Ithondeka & Co. Advocates
Academic fields of interest:
Transitional Justice, International Human Rights, International Law, Legislative Drafting, Moot Court, International Criminal Law
Position prior to the programme:
Associate Advocate-W.J.Ithondeka & Co. Advocates
Through conducting research on a number of issues related to Migration and Refugee law, I was able to gain all round knowledge about the challenges, gaps and untapped opportunities in the field of refugee law and Migration that African states can adopt to deal with the unending refugee/migrant crisis in Africa. As a lecturer, I have been able to advise and train my students on matters related to Refugee law.
Working with the clinic taught me practical challenges migrant workers experience while away from their home countries since nobody will ever see your plight as a migrant/refugee as depicted in our song entitled ‘Away from Home’, a project of the Migration clinic. However, this song also taught me how to use the art of music and every tool around me to speak against the injustices around us like Xenophobia.
The Migration clinic is a fundamental tool in the fight against the injustices faced by African Migrants and the refugee crisis in Africa.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nairobi, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
Bachelors of Law( LLB) Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Experience:
An advocate of the High Court of Kenya practising in the form of Mereka and Company Advocates undertaking litigation in human rights, constitutional, environmental and judicial review matters. Before joining the firm of Mereka, I did pupillage at Waweru Gatonye Advocates. I also interned at the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights, social legal theories, constitutional law, transitional justice, critical legal theories, disarmament and political theory.
Position prior to the programme:
An associate at Mereka and Company Advocates.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kampala, Uganda
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws, Makerere University, Uganda. Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Law Development Centre, Uganda.
Experience:
I have previously worked as a Senior Researcher in the Supreme Court of Uganda where I drafted judicial opinions, researched and reviewed domestic and international legislation, advising on its applicability, as well as recommending cases for arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Prior to this, I worked with Development Law Associates, a consultancy firm in Uganda where I contributed to the preparation of proposals related to human rights and constitutional law policies. Additionally, I am a member of the Network of Public Interest Lawyers at the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development where we periodically analyse the constitutionality of bills and Acts related to the right to health and institute litigations or prepare lobby papers on the same. I have also worked in a voluntary capacity with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the International Centre for Transitional Justice, and the Community Law Programme and Legal Aid Clinic (CLAPMOC), under the Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC) of Makerere University.
Academic fields of interest:
Health and Human Rights, Taxation and Human Rights, Democracy, Transparency and Digital Rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Senior Researcher, Supreme Court of Uganda.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Experience:
Graduate Assistant II at Addis Ababa University School of Law
Junior Associate Lawyer at KDLO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Academic fields of interest:
International Criminal Law
Position prior to the programme:
Graduate Assistant II, Addis Ababa University School of Law
Legal Assistant, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
Country / Where did you grow up:
Calabar, Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
LLB, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Experience:
Legal Officer I - Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science & Technology, Jos, Nigeria.
Volunteer - House of Recap, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Volunteer - Voluntary Services Overseas, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
Legal Associate - Kanu G. Agabi (SAN) & Associates, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
Law Reporter - Akaraiwe & Associates, Enugu, Nigeria.
Volunteer - Conscience International, Bakau, The Gambia.
Academic fields of interest:
Refugees/Internally displaced persons with a specific focus on children & unaccompanied minors
Position prior to the programme:
Prior to my enrollment in the HRDA programme, I volunteered as an English instructor at a shelter for children displaced due to the Boko Haram crisis in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. As such, when I joined the migration clinic in 2019, I had already seen first-hand the challenges faced by persons forced to flee their homes. The migration clinic therefore gave me the opportunity to learn at an in-depth level, established rights, principles and international practices for the protection of migrants in Africa. This knowledge has been instrumental, as I am able to research and formulate specific thematic questions on States’ obligations as it relates to the rights of migrants, particularly during the African Commission’s consideration of State Parties’ periodic reports.
My experience interning at the migration clinic was indeed ‘transformative’ as it enabled me improve my knowledge and skills in an environment that was suitable for my academic and practical competence as an advocate of human rights.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Blantyre, Malawi
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree, University of Malawi, Chancellor College, Malawi
Experience:
Legal practitioner at a private law firm in Malawi; Trial advocacy trainer, Justice Advocacy Africa; Legal aid coordinator, Women Lawyers' Association; Intern, Ministry of Justice; Research assistant, University of Maryland Global Health Interdisciplinary Research Team.
Academic fields of interest:
Public interest and strategic litigation; Access to justice; women's rights; business and human rights; technology and human rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Legal Practitioner
Country / Where did you grow up:
Western Region of the Republic of Ghana
Academic qualifications:
BA(Political Science), University of Ghana, Legon Ghana
Experience:
My experiences include human rights advocacy, investigations, the decision as well as report writing. Also work as a resource person for international NGOs such as World Vision, Action Aid, Inclusion Ghana etc as well as governance NGOs such as Ghana Integrity Initiative, SEND-GH etc. Provides human rights lectures to nursing training institutions, professionals and the entire public on the need to promote the culture of respect for human rights. Conduct state of human rights monitoring as in inspection of detention centres such as hospitals, police stations, prisons to ascertain whether they are conforming to international human rights standards.
Academic fields of interest:
Children's rights, women's rights, human rights investigation and the African human rights system
Position prior to the programme:
I was the District Officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice(CHRAJ) in the Jirapa district of the upper west region of Ghana.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Dakar, Sénégal
Academic qualifications:
Master of Arts in International Affairs and Diplomacy, Legon centre for international affairs and diplomacy, LECIAD, University of Ghana
Experience:
I hold a Master of Arts in International affairs and diplomacy and a bachelor in political science and international relations. Over the past 3 years, I have gained professional experience by working with various organisations such as ActionAid International Senegal as women's rights officer, McCann Dakar as traffic coordinator and Wanep Senegal as a communication officer.
Academic fields of interest:
Social sciences and human rights
Position prior to the programme:
Women's Rights Officer ActionAid International Senegal
Country / Where did you grow up:
Asmara, Eritrea
Academic qualifications:
LL.B, Adi Keih College of Arts and Social Sciences, Eritrea
Experience:
Staff Attorney, Ministry of Justice
Judge, Court of Central Region
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights, international law, constitutional law
Position prior to the programme:
Judge, Court of Central Region
Country / Where did you grow up:
Adama, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB Degree from Adama University, Ethiopia
Experience:
Imad Abdulfetah is graduated with an LLB degree from Adama University, Adama Ethiopia in 2014. I Interned with International Committee of Red Cross and Federal High court of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Since 24 November 2014, I have worked as Attorney and legal advisor at Ethiopian Ministry of Revenue and Customs Authority. Starting from 08 July 2016 I have been serving as Federal attorney at Federal Attorney General and Assistant lecturer at Arsi University.
Academic fields of interest:
Exceptionally interested in refugee, children and humanitarian law.
Position prior to the programme:
Federal Attorney and Assistant lecturer
Country / Where did you grow up:
South Africa
Academic qualifications:
LLB (University of Pretoria), South Africa
Experience:
Research Assistant, Disability Rights Unit, Centre for Human Rights
Student Consultant, Law Clinic, University of Pretoria
Coordinating committee member, National Schools Moot Court Competition, Department of Education & International Centre for Institute for International Comparative Law in Africa
Student intern, Maponya Attorneys Inc.
Academic fields of interest:
Disability Rights and Women's Rights
Position prior to the programme:
Research Assistant, Disability Rights Unit, Centre for Human Rights
Mr Paul Mudau
Mr Urias Tec Pour
Current position: Director, Legislative Assistance, Treaty Matter and Law
Current organisation: Independent National Commission on Human Rights of Liberia
tehpour@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
South Africa
Academic:
Bachelors Degree in African Studies and a minor in Philosophy
Experience:
I was a teacher for three years, I taught for 2 years at the African Leadership Academy, teaching African Studies and African Philosophy. Later, I worked at Mzansi Poetry Academy, teaching Gender studies and existentialist philosophy in Africa.
Academic fields of interest:
Existentialism, African Philosophy, Black feminist theory, Women's Rights, Disability Rights, Land Rights, Constitutionalism, and Transitional Justice
Position prior to the programme:
Educator for Mzansi Poetry Academy.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Khartoum, Sudan
Academic qualifications:
LLB Al nailein University Sudan
Experience:
Legal officer of Darfur Bar Association
Co-founder and Future Perspectives Organization (FPO) Khartoum - Sudan
Academic fields of interest:
Law
Position prior to the programme:
General Secretary of the Future Perspectives Organization (FPO)
Country / Where did you grow up:
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Journalism), Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana
Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting, Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, hosted by the Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters (ASTI), Cameroon.
Experience:
Human rights advocate; freelance journalist (human rights and environment); planning team member for the African Youths SDGs Summit; Media Relations Officer at Alliance Française Accra.
Academic fields of interest:
Disability studies and women's rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Human rights advocate; freelance journalist.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
Academic qualifications:
LLB (Honors) University of Cape Town
Experience:
Model United Nations: I have been an avid participant in MUN since high school and throughout my university career, placing second at the conference held and adjudicated by DIRCO. I have also participated in conferences in both Germany and the Hague.
During my gap year, I worked for an NGO in Tanzania called 'Africa- Inside-Out' which used media and performance as a platform to bring to light social causes.
In my final year of law, I volunteered for a program known as CLASI where we went into improvised areas with the aim of educating high school leaners on their Constitutional rights.
Academic fields of interest:
Gender, Law and African Customary Law.
Position prior to the programme:
Student.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Experience:
I worked for eight years in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the humanitarian sector in relation to the Iraqi and Syrian crises. I also worked with minority refugee communities from Sudan and Somalia. Areas of work include protection of humanitarian workers/ civilians; private fundraising and donor relations; education in emergencies; rapid response team; communications; advocacy and policy.
Academic fields of interest:
Socio-legal and historical fields around social justice and human rights issues
Position prior to the programme:
Syrian Crisis Policy Advisor for Humanity and Inclusion (formerly Handicap International)
Country / Where did you grow up:
Gaborone, Botswana
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Botswana
Experience:
Candidate Attorney
Youth Activist for Ignite the Youth and Southern African Aids Trust (SAT)
Academic fields of interest:
Women's Rights, Rights of LGBTQI+ persons and Right of People Living with Disabilities.
Position prior to the programme:
Candidate Attorney
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nyeri, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Kenyatta University Kenya;
Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (Advocates Training Program), Kenya School of Law;
International Training Program (Sustainable Development and Human Rights), University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Experience:
Assistant Programme Officer-Legal and Social Justice Programme, Refugee Consortium of Kenya;
Intern Lawyer-Kenya Human Rights Commission; Trainee Advocate-Manyonge Wanyama & Associates Advocates; Intern-The National Legal Aid (and Awareness) Programme;
Judicial Attachee-Kikuyu Law Courts
Academic fields of interest:
The right to (sustainable) development;
The justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights;
Forced migration;
The rights of women;
The rights of sexual and gender-identity minorities;
Transitional justice; Constitutional law and constitutionalism.
Position prior to the programme:
Assistant Programme Officer-Legal and Social Justice Programme, Refugee Consortium of Kenya
Country / Where did you grow up:
Gaborone, Botswana
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Botswana, Botswana
Experience:
Oabona Sepora is the Executive Director and Founder for Friends of Diversity graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Botswana in 2014. Oabona currently studies Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa at the University of Pretoria In addition, he is an alumnus for Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) and has over 8 years’ experience in the human rights movement in Botswana and internationally, particularly standing for the rights of LGBTI+ person rights. Mr Sepora has worked with various NGO(s) is Botswana being LEGABIBO, Ditshwanelo-The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, SRHR Africa Trust, Young African Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA), among others. He has represented LGBTI+ community in numerous international forums such International Aids Conference in the Netherlands, International Conference on AIDS and STI in Africa (ICASA) in Harare, Zimbabwe and Abidjan, Ivory Coast, SADC Queer Youth exchange among others. In addition, in 2014, Oabona was hosted by the Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation in Lilongwe, Malawi and he also has done several abstract presentations on sexual reproductive health rights in Nairobi, Kenya and other African countries. In 2018, Oabona was named a global peace ambassador for 2018/2020 by Global Peace Chain Organization.
Academic fields of interest:
Strategic litigation, Mental health discourse and Jurisprudence
Position prior to the programme:
Executive Director, Friends of Diversity
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nairobi, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons) Mt Kenya University, Kenya, Post Graduate Diploma(Advocates Training Programme), Kenya School of Law, Kenya
Experience:
Prior to joining the programme, I was a Legal Researcher at ICJ Kenya, where I was tasked with carrying on research for diverse issues to include human rights and issues around access to justice in Kenya. Prior to becoming a Legal Researcher, I was a Legal Intern, Access to Justice Programme, ICJ Kenya. I was also a pupil at the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice attached to the Civil Department and the Legislative Drafting Department. Prior to KSL was a Legal Volunteer at the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK). Being to these different places, I have learnt and gained significant experience. I am also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Academic fields of interest:
My academic and research interests are in human rights specifically the rights of sexual minorities and environmental law.
Position prior to the programme:
Legal Researcher - Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya).
Country / Where did you grow up:
Calabar, Cross River State, Southern Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
LLB, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
BL, Nigeria Law School, Abuja, Nigeria.
Experience:
Corporate/Commercial legal practice, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors. Legal consultant, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (for the protection of the rights of victims of sexual and domestic abuse, sexual minorities, etc)
Academic fields of interest:
Children's right, LGBTQI rights, Business and human rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Head of corporate practice (in private legal practice), Legal Consultant to a local NGO in Nigeria
Country / Where did you grow up:
Zambia and South Africa (Pietermaritzburg, East London, and Pretoria)
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law UP SA)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB UP SA)
Experience:
I have worked as an Academic Assistant at the Disability Unit of the University of Pretoria, primarily assisting students with disabilities to utilise the reasonable accommodation mechanisms put in place for their academic advancement. I have also worked as Teaching Assistant for the module Language and Study Skills at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi campus. Here I was primarily tasked with assisting first-year learners in improving their academic research and writing in line with what is required for tertiary-level academics. I have worked as a Production Assistant on two human rights films concerning the rights of older persons and sexual violence against women. I have also written and directed my own short human rights film dealing with gender-based violence.
Academic fields of interest:
I am interested in the right to education of girl children in Africa and the intersectional analysis of socio-economic and political factors that continue to hamper their access to education. I am also interested in investigating the role that creative media can play in advancing or jeopardising pro-human rights initiatives in Africa.
Position prior to the programme:
I was a Teaching Assistant for the module Language and Study Skills at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi campus. Here I was primarily tasked with assisting first-year learners in improving their academic research and writing in line with what is required for tertiary-level academics
Country / Where did you grow up:
Ethiopia, Dhagahbur district
Academic qualifications:
LLB (cum laude) University of Hargeisa
B.Sc Agriculture & Natural Resource Management (cum laude) Gollis University
Experience:
I have worked for a number of international & local organisations in different capacities.
Academic fields of interest:
Public International Law, International Human Rights Law & Environmental Law.
Position prior to the programme:
Lecturer and Human Rights Researcher
Country / Where did you grow up:
Sare Gubu, Upper River Region, The Gambia
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of The Gambia
Experience:
BL The Gambia Law School
Teaching Assistant University of The Gambia
Academic fields of interest:
Constitutional Law; Child Rights and Juvenile Justice; Transitional Justice and Accountability; Disability Rights
Position prior to the programme:
Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Law, University of The Gambia
Country / Where did you grow up:
Lilongwe, Malawi
Academic qualifications:
BEd Humanities, University of Livingstonia
Experience:
Developing work plans for projects; training health service providers on human sexuality; training of peer educators, outreach workers and other field staff; advocacy on health rights of sexual minorities; budget development; compiling project reports; field visits; capacity building of volunteers/ peer educators; M & E support
Academic fields of interest:
Sexual minorities rights, women's rights
Position prior to the programme:
Programmes Officer, Centre for the Development of People
Country / Where did you grow up:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB Wolaita Sodo University Ethiopia
Experience:
I graduated from Wolaita Sodo University Law School in the year 2015 and I immediately started working as Assistants lecture of law and gender focal person at the same university. My main duties were teaching, serving the community in the legal aid center , promoting gender equality within academia and combating gender-based violence.
Academic fields of interest:
It was always my dream to be a human rights activist and I am specially interested on the rights of women and children.
Position prior to the programme:
Assistant Lecturer and Gender Focal Person
Country / Where did you grow up:
Ethiopia North Shewa
Academic qualifications:
LLB Dilla University
Experience:
Assistant lecturer and free legal aid service provider at Dilla University
Founder and member of Dilla University Law Student Association (DULSA)
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights and Federalism
Position prior to the programme:
I was Assistance Lecturer of Law at Dilla University
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kisii, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
LLB Moi University, Kenya
Experience:
After graduating from Moi University in 2016, i interned with the International Committee of the Red Cross for four months. I later joined the Kenya School of Law for the Advocates Training Program.
Academic fields of interest:
My area of interest is constitutional law and democratic governance in Africa.
Position prior to the programme:
Student at the Kenya School of Law
Country / Where did you grow up:
Tallinding, Kanifing Municipality, The Gambia
Academic qualifications:
BSc in Political Science, The University of The Gambia, (The Gambia)
Experience:
Teaching Assistant in Political Science at the University of The Gambia
Domestic conflict monitor for the Economic Community of West African States in The Gambia
Academic fields of interest:
Comparative politics, Governance and Democratisation in Africa, Peace-building, Post-conflict reforms,Transitional programs and promotion of human rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Teaching Assistant, Political Science Department, University of The Gambia
Country / Where did you grow up:
Sudan Aweil East
Academic qualifications:
LLB Busoga Unoversity Uganda
Diploma in Community Development Kenya Institute of Social Work and Communtiy Development
Experience:
I have extensive 10 years of professional experience in children's rights, governance and campaigns/advocacy with international non governmental organisations.
Academic fields of interest:
My academic fields of interest are international human rights law, criminal law, constitutional law and transitional justice issues.
I have thus written articles on elections and human rights in Africa.
Position prior to the programme:
Before joining the programme, I was the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children International in South Sudan leading a national advocacy and campaign programme entitled 'Every Last Child Campaign.' I successfuly led ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in the Republic of South Sudan through sustained advocacy and lobbying with Members of Parliament and civil society organisations. I also led a successful legal advocacy to file firstever public interest petition before the Supreme Court of the Republic of South Sudan seeking declaratory orders to end child marriage in South Sudan.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Mbale, Uganda
Academic qualifications:
Honours Degree in Social Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
Experience:
Practical knowledge, experience and skills in human rights investigation, education, monitoring and reporting acquired from Uganda Human Rights Commission where I have worked for close to ten years in various positions.
1.Principal Human Rights Officer and Head of Office, West Nile Region.
2. Human Rights Officer, in charge Complaints and Investigations.
Academic fields of interest:
International Human Rights Law, Business and Human Rights, Governance and democracy issues and access to justice for vulnerable persons.
Position prior to the programme:
Principal Human Rights Officer, Uganda Human Rights Commission
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kenya, Nairobi
Academic qualifications:
BA - Sociology and Psychology, Kenyatta University
Experience:
Since graduating, I have intensely worked with diverse human right movements in Kenya covering; women, refugees and asylum seekers, sexual and gender minorities and stateless persons. At the Kenya Human Rights Commission, I engaged with the Green Amendment Campaign whose objective was to increase women representation in elective government positions. The campaign involved, creating awareness on importance of women to vie for leadership positions and collection of signatures to account for the popular initiative. I assisted in the drafting of the national action plan for stateless persons, focusing on late registration of births and ensuring that no child is born stateless. I wrote an action plan on the “security reforms to curb violence against LGBTI persons focusing in Kwale, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa counties. At the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, I was involved in writing alternative reports (CEDAW and Convention against Acts of Torture), press statements, newsletters, training of stakeholders on LGBTI rights in Kenya. I was part of a research team that produced a report on the ‘Lived Experiences of LBQ women in Kenya' as well as the reference person for Kenya in drafting and monitoring the SOGIE online module toolkit for National Human Rights Institution based on Yogyakarta principles.
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights Law and Research
Position prior to the programme:
Administration and Communication Officer
Country / Where did you grow up:
Uganda/ Kampala
Academic qualifications:
BSc Business Computing, Makerere University (Dean's Merit Award)
Experience:
By the time of joining the program, Mulshid has four years of experience in the non-profit sector and is an alumnus of the Human Rights Advocates Program offered at Columbia University in New York. While working as an Organisational Learning and Development Consultant, he has worked closely with organisations in change management processes, strategic thinking and development, program design and implementation. Previously, Mulshid worked with Defenders Protection Initiative and has amassed technical expertise in the security, safety and protection of Human Rights Defenders and various aspects of how legislation is used to regulate civic space. He has also worked on specialised assignments in South East Asia, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar. Through these experiences, he developed strong project coordination and implementation skills.
Academic fields of interest:
Strategic Development, Program Design, Review and Evaluation
Diversity and Inclusion
Gender Mainstreaming
Civil Society Regulation and Human Rights Defenders in Africa
Humanitarian Safety and Security Management
Organisational Psychology
Position prior to the programme:
Corporate Communications Executive
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nairobi, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
LLB, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law
Experience:
Program Officer and Legal Researcher in International Justice Program at ICJ Kenya, Legal Associate at the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), Legal Trainee at D.B Osoro & Company Advocates.
Academic fields of interest:
Women's Rights, International Criminal Justice, Transitional Justice and Governance
Position prior to the programme:
Program Officer at the Kenyan Section of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya)
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kampala, Uganda
Academic qualifications:
LLB, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Experience:
I have worked as a teaching assistant at a private university and as a legal officer at a government-owned financial institution.
Academic fields of interest:
Constitutional law, secularism and the state, international law, and children’s rights.
Position prior to the programme:
Teaching Assistant at Cavendish University and Legal Officer at The Microfinance Support Centre
Country / Where did you grow up:
Bamenda,Cameroon
Academic qualifications:
LLB, Dschang Cameroon
Barrister at Law, Gambia Law School, Banjul-The Gambia
Experience:
Legal Assistant Mbufungzak Law Firm Bamenda; Legal intern African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights; Legal Officer African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights
Position prior to the programme:
Legal Officer at the Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples's Rights (Legal Adviser to the African Union Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Africa)
Country / Where did you grow up:
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Zimbabwe
Experience:
I have worked as a human rights practitioner for several years, at the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, in private legal practice and as an independent consultant.
Academic fields of interest:
International human rights law and Health law
Position prior to the programme:
Independent Consultant
Country / Where did you grow up:
Maseru, Lesotho
Academic qualifications:
LLB National University of Lesotho
Experience:
I have occupied the positions of, and gained knowledge in being a Legal Officer, Programs Officer, Local Government Trainer, Voter Educator and Legal Adviser
Academic fields of interest:
Women's Rights, Children's Rights, Governance
Position prior to the programme:
Programs Officer, Federation of Women Lawyers, Lesotho
Country / Where did you grow up:
Durban, South Africa
Academic qualifications:
BA(Law) University of Pretoria
LLB University of Pretoria
Experience:
I have taken part in a number of moot competitions centred around human and children's rights. I have also worked as an assistant moot competition co-ordinator at the Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Child Law.
Academic fields of interest:
I have a keen interest in the right to education, especially for the girl child and the implementation of human rights instruments in Africa.
Position prior to the programme:
Student
Country / Where did you grow up:
Moshupa, Botswana
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Botswana
Experience:
Drafting and negotiating multilateral and bilateral agreements including technical cooperation agreements on defence, security, air services, water, science and technology. Providing legal advice, advising on, negotiating and drafting commercial agreements relating to procurement of goods and services, works & services, financial law services etcetera
Academic fields of interest:
Jurisprudence
Business and Human Rights
Constitutional Law
International Air Law
International Financial Law
Position prior to the programme:
Senior State Counsel, Attorney General's Chambers of Botswana
Country / Where did you grow up:
Swaziland, Mbabane
Academic qualifications:
LLB
Experience:
Police officer since 2006
Academic fields of interest:
Human Rights (rights of suspects)
Position prior to the programme:
Police Legal Officer
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nairobi, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
LLB Kenyatta University
Postgraduate Diploma (ATP), Kenya School of Law
Experience:
Research Consultant - International Center for Transitional Justice
Pupil - Muriuki NgunjirI Advocates
Intern - Legal Resource Foundation
Academic fields of interest:
Elections, Democracy and Governance;
Transitional Justice; and
Human Rights
Position prior to the programme:
Lawyer and Research Analyst at InformAction-Kenya
Country / Where did you grow up:
Abuja, Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Abuja 2010.
BL Nigerian Law School 2011
LLM University of Ibadan, Nigeria 2015
Experience:
I had my one year mandatory national service at the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, from November 2011 to November 2012. In 2013, I was employed as Legal Officer with Kogi State Ministry of Justice; I also volunteer for some NGOs like Cedar Seed Foundation, an organisation fighting for policy reforms and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society. In 2016, I participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders; where I studied Public Management at the Maxwell School for Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, New York.
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights, public policy, and legislative practice and procedure.
Position prior to the programme:
Principal Legal Officer.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
LLB Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria
BL The Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Nigeria
Experience:
Paradigm Initiative - Program Assistant (ICT Policy)
Legal Officer - Main One Cable Company Nigeria Limited
Academic fields of interest:
Digital rights and Internet freedoms
Technology and public policy
Governance and human rights
International human rights law
Position prior to the programme:
Legal Officer: Main One Cable Company Nigeria Limited
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kaduna, Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Maiduguri
Barrister-at-Law Nigerian Law School
Experience:
I have been a private legal practitioner in Nigeria with particular interest in human rights law. I have also served as the Advocate General of the Corps Legal Aid Scheme under the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Kebbi State - Nigeria.
Academic fields of interest:
Human rights and humanitarian law
Position prior to the programme:
Associate counsel in the law firm of J.N. Okezie & Associates
Country / Where did you grow up:
Bishoftu, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB Haramaya University
Experience:
3 years of work experience as a federal public prosecutor in Ethiopia Federal Attorney General(the former Ministry of Justice)
Academic fields of interest:
Women and Child rights
Position prior to the programme:
Federal Public Prosecutor
Country / Where did you grow up:
Banjul, The Gambia
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of the Gambia
BL (Nigerian law school) Nigerial
Experience:
I have worked as an advocate for women and girls' empowerment by being a facilitator in Girls for Girls emancipation (GEM) an organization I co-found with a team of inspiring young women from five west African countries. In the Gambia I worked with many women rights focused organizations in the area of facilitating and organizing conferences and workshops for them. These organizations include Soropmtimist International, Conscience International and Better Africa Youth Initiative. In 2016 I did a nine months internship with the special mechanism for women's rights of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul, The Gambia.
Academic fields of interest:
Women's rights, children's rights, policing and human rights and international public law
Position prior to the programme:
Student at the Nigerian law school
Country / Where did you grow up:
Ethiopia , Ghana, Japan
Academic:
LLB Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Experience:
Resettlement Officer - RSC Africa (Nairobi, Kenya)
Protection Intern - UNHCR (Harare, Zimbabwe)
Academic fields of interest:
Sustainable development and poverty reduction
Gender and the law
International Humanitarian Law
Refugee and migrant studies
International Criminal law and transitional justice
Position prior to the programme:
Resettlement Officer - RSC Africa
Country / Where did you grow up:
Homa-bay, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
LL.B, Moi University, Kenya
Experience:
2018: Pupil at Prof Tom Ojienda & Associates
Academic fields of interest:
Trade Finance, Investment Banking, Public Procurement
Position prior to the programme:
Research Assistant
Country / Where did you grow up:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia)
Experience:
Assistant Judge, Legal Researcher, Practicing Lawyer
Academic fields of interest:
Trade and Gender
Position prior to the programme:
Practicing Lawyerabayneh.kidist@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Delta State, Nigeria.
Academic qualifications:
CSQS( Corporate Governance) ICSAN; B.L (Law Profession & Studies) Nigerian Law School, LL.B(Hons) Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria.
Experience:
Law Research Officer/Legislative Drafter at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Legal Associate at Nesburg Partners, Pupil State Counsel at Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Legal Intern at Chief Gani Fawehinmi(SAN) Chambers, Student Member (Client Counseling/Mediation) Law Clinic NLS, Deputy Student Judge at Law Student Association.
Academic fields of interest:
Corporate Law; International Trade and Investments; Alternative Dispute Resolutions.
Position prior to the programme:
Principal Law Research Officer/Legislative Drafter.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Gaborone, Botswana
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws ( Llb) University of Botswana, Post Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management ( PGcert ERM) from Botswana Accountancy College
Experience:
Mr Kago Boiki is a legal advisor and member to several non-profit organizations, he is a former President of the University of Botswana Law Society. Mr Boiki has served in the Divisional Prosecuting Unit of the Botswana Police Service before joining Collins Chilisa Legal Consultants who specialize in Labour and Employment Law. Mr Boiki served as a Research Assistant for the Disability Rights Teaching Programme under the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa and the University of Botswana before joining Otto Itumeleng Law Chambers who specializes in Corporate law, International Trade, Tax law and Labour and Employment Law.
Academic fields of interest:
Business and Human Rights Law, Special Economic Zones and Investment Law, Labour and Employment Relations
Position prior to the programme:
Associate Attorney
Country / Where did you grow up:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws Honours, University of Zimbabwe
Experience:
Practice at the bar which involves drafting pleadings for superior courts and courtroom advocacy in matters including constitutional law, commercial law, property law and family law. Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2015 with a certificate on Civic Leadership from the University of Delaware (USA). Alumni of the Brightest Young Minds Africa (2017). Member of the Law Society of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association and have assisted with law development related training.
Academic fields of interest:
International investment, Procurement law, Trade and Gender
Position prior to the programme:
An advocate of the superior courts of Zimbabwe. Maintained rooms at The Chambers: Advocates of Zimbabwe
Country / Where did you grow up:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
BA Law (cum laude), LLB (University of Pretoria)
Experience:
During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Model United Nations tutor for second-year students in the Department of Politics at the University of Pretoria. In 2016 I completed a short internship with the UNCTAD during the fourteenth Ministerial Meeting held in Nairobi. I am currently employed as an intern at the Embassy of the Holy See in Pretoria where my duties include the socio-political monitoring of the five countries falling under this office.
Academic fields of interest:
My academic areas of interest include Private International Law, Investment Law, Corporate Governance as well as International Relations and Global Diplomacy.
Position prior to the programme:
Before joining this programme I was enrolled as a final year LLB student at the University of Pretoria. I was also employed on a part-time basis as an intern at the Embassy of the Holy See in Pretoria.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
BA degree in international trade and investment management, Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia
Experience:
I have four years and three months of experience as a banker at Zemen bank. Zemen bank is one of the private banks in Ethiopia. I joined the bank by November 2014 as a Teller. In my of stay at Zemen bank I worked in the following positions:
1. Teller, from November 2014- February 2017
2. Personal banker, from March 2017- June 2017
3. Customer service officer III, from July 2017 - October 2018
4. Innovation and change management officer, From November 2018- January 2019
Position prior to the programme:
Innovation and Change management Officer
Country / Where did you grow up:
Accra, Ghana
Academic qualifications:
LLB- University of Ghana, Ghana
Experience:
I hold a QCL from Ghana which qualifies me to practice law there. I was practising law with a private law firm
Academic Feilds of Interest
Trade Finance, Project Finance, Free trade Agreements, Business Human Rights
Position prior to the programme:
I was a lawyer
Country / Where did you grow up:
Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
BBAdmin ( Marketing )IMM ,GSM (SA);LLB ( UNISA)
Experience:
I have worked in transport, Telecommunications, Advertising and Business Development consultancy.I have held various positions which include Account Manager for an international advertising agency and National Merchandising Executive for a Telecommunications company.I have been involved in marketing communications strategy for various sectors such as hospitality, financial services, NGOs, Regulatory authorities and Telecoms. I have worked with some companies from inception. I have been involved with logo creation, marketing strategy, company launch and actually bringing their brands to the market. I have conceptualised and assisted companies with their growth strategies.
Academic fields of interest:
International trade and investment. Business Development
Position prior to the programme:
Business Development Consultant
Country / Where did you grow up:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Academic qualifications:
LLB, Wits University, South Africa
Experience:
I am an admitted attorney and was most recently a finance lawyer in the corporate and investment banking division of Absa bank limited. I specialized in project and infrastructure finance and also facilitated the procurement of political risk insurance packages from multilateral agencies such as MIGA and ECIC.
Academic fields of interest:
Development finance, public procurement, corruption and its impact on human rights
Position prior to the programme:
Stay at home mom to my daughter and prior to that, senior legal counsel at Absa CIB
Country / Where did you grow up:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Fort Hare
Experience:
In 2018 I worked as a law researcher at the constitutional court of South Africa for Justice Chris Jafta and Acting Justice Annali Basson from the North Gauteng High Court.
Currently, I am working as a research assistant at the International Development Law Unit for Professor Daniel Bradlow.
Academic fields of interest:
Investment law, International economic law, Banking law
Position prior to the programme:
Clerk at Constitutional Court
Country / Where did you grow up:
Harare, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
BA LLB Law (University of Pretoria)
Experience:
I have no prior academic and professional experience. What I do have is Student leadership experience. After completing undergraduate studies, I enrolled in the Master's programme.
Academic fields of interest:
Investment law and regional integration
Position prior to the programme:
I was an undergraduate student before I joined the programme.
Country / Where did you grow up:
Lusaka, Zambia
Academic qualifications:
Associate Degree, Computer and Software Training, Southwestern Michigan College, USA. Bachelor of Law, LLB, University of Lusaka, Zambia.
Experience:
Banker, Entrepreneur
Academic fields of interest:
Trade and investment
Position prior to the programme:
Entrepreneur
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kakamega County, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws, Kabarak University Kenya
Experience:
Alumni of the John H.Jackson on WTO moot
Academic fields of interest:
International Trade Law
Position prior to the programme:
Intern at Midrift Human Rights Network Kenya
Country / Where did you grow up:
Vezubuhle Mpumalanga South African
Academic qualifications:
LLB University of Pretoria
Experience:
My academic experience is my LLB degree. it has enriched me with the following skills: communication skills, deadline orientated, research experience and to adapt to a different environment.
Academic fields of interest:
Trade and Investment, Business and Human Rights, Special economic zones, Economics and Intellectual Property.
Position prior to the programme:
I was a full-time student.thandekan96@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kwara State of Nigeria
Academic qualifications:
BL(Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus); LL.B(Honours; Common Law, University of Ilorin, Nigeria); Diploma in Law(Distinction; Common Law; Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria)
Experience:
Upon the completion of my LL.B program from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria and after being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2014, I worked as a youth corp member with the Bayelsa State Judiciary as a Research Assistant II with a High Court Judge of the Judiciary. Thereafter, I worked as a Special Prosecutor in the Office of the Special Prosecutor on Violent Crimes and other Related Offences wherein on a daily I prosecute violent crimes such as Armed Robbery, Rape, Robbery, Defilement, Kidnapping to mention but a few. I had been in active legal practice for the past 6 years.
Position prior to the programme:
Prior to this program, I was a Special Prosecutor in the Office of the Special Prosecutor on Violent Crimes and other Related Offences in the Bayelsa State of Nigeria wherein I engage in Criminal litigation and or prosecution in the Superior Courts of Recordboyaleke@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Kericho County, Kenya
Academic qualifications:
I hold a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law, Kenya and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kabarak University, Kenya.
Experience:
I am an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Professional Mediator. I have previously worked for the firm of Kisilu, Wandati and Company Advocates.
Academic field of interest
I have a keen interest in Trade and Investment Law, Corporate and Commercial law, Commercial Mediation and Arbitration, Conveyancing Law and Refugee and Forced Migration Law.
Position prior to the programme:
Prior to joining the programme, I was a Masters student at the University of Nairobi.nellychepz@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Jukwa, Central Region, Ghana
Academic qualifications:
1.Bachelor of Laws, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
2.Master of Arts( Governance & Sustainable Development), University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
3. Bachelor of Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
Experience:
I hold a Professional Teachers' Certificate 'A' qualification and a Diploma Certificate in Basic Education; all from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. I taught at the basic school from 2001 to 2007. I also taught English and was Head of Languages Department at Efutu Senior High School, Cape Coast from 2007 to 2013.l was founder and Proprietor of Jabez High Academy from 2002 till 2015. I am a Member of the Board Room Institute of Ghana.
Academic field of interest
Corporate Governance, Trade Finance, Trade Negotiations
Position prior to the programme:
District Chief Executive(Mayor)(2013-2017) for Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District, Central Region, Ghana.sakyiba@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Academic qualifications:
BA Law-University of Pretoria LLB-University of Pretoria
Experience:
In 2016 I served as treasurer for the United Nations Association Pretoria Chapter as treasurer. I later joined the University of Pretoria’s Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel during the year 2017. As from November 2018, I was appointed a committee member of the Space Generation Advisory Council in Support of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, serving a 2-year term as National Point of Contact for Zimbabwe. I contribute to 2 working groups namely Space Law & Policy tasked with the legislative frameworks of the joint African Space Agency as well as the Small Satellites Project Group which explores nano-satellite technology as alternatives for developing countries. My paper presentations on Space Law & Policy have been accepted and presented at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the International Astronautical Congress as well as the African Leadership Congress on Space & Technology. My papers, specifically focused on the developmental potential of space technology for African states, has been published with the Springer Collection on Southern Space Studies.
The academic field of interest
Space Law and Policy, Resource Mining, Trade Facilitation and Foreign Direct Investments
Position prior to the programme:
Studentruvimbosamanga@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Academic qualifications:
LLB., Addis Ababa University
Experience:
Junior Associate in Law Office
The academic field of interest
Corporate Law
Position prior to the programme:
Junior Associateyehuala5779@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
Lilongwe, Malawi
Academic qualifications:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Mancosa, RSA
Experience:
Before embarking on the TILA programme, I worked for the Reserve Bank of Malawi in the Foreign Flows Monitoring Department, as Senior Analyst responsible for compliance of the Exchange Control Rules and Regulations. I am currently pursuing two Masters programmes. Master of Public Administration and Management with the University of Malawi (research only having completed course work in 2017) and the TILA programme with UP.
The academic field of interest
Business and Finance, Law, Gender and Development, Economics and Trade
Position prior to the programme:
Senior Analyst, Compliance at RBMkalongafred@gmail.com
Country / Where did you grow up:
The Gambia
Experience:
Corporate Attorney and Litigation professional turned Public Counsel with substantial in-house legal experience. Dexterity in both French & English and a focus on Arbitration, Corporate Law, Contract Drafting & Negotiation, and Oil & Gas Law. Member of the Sierra Leone and Cameroon Bar Associations. Ex-Officio Legal Officer of the Superior Courts of The Gambia, Barrister, Solicitor and Notary of the Supreme Court of Cameroon. An avid volunteer, a believer in African Causes, passionate about Human Rights, Governance, Rule of Law and African Integration.
Position prior to the programme:
State Counsel
