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The provided list includes a selection of individuals from our advisory board, who have opted to be publicly acknowledged. We respect the privacy concerns of our esteemed advisory board members, and, as a result, not all members may be featured in this compilation. UNODC values the diverse expertise and perspectives contributed by all advisory board members, regardless of their inclusion in this representation.
Afghanistan
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H.E. Manizha Bakhtari is a distinguished diplomat, lecturer, and author, who has a diverse career that includes serving as Afghanistan's Ambassador to Nordic Countries from 2009 to 2015 and as Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul from 2007 to 2009. Currently, she holds the position of Afghan Ambassador to Austria. Before her diplomatic career, Ms. Bakhtari gained acclaim for her advocacy on gender issues at the Cooperation Center for Afghanistan, working to implement global gender equality standards. She holds a journalism degree from Kabul University and a master's in Persian Literature, later lecturing at her alma mater. A prolific writer, Ms. Bakhtari authored seven academic books and numerous articles, including key works used at Kabul University. Notable among these are "Jahan-e Delangize Khabar" and "AkhalqwaHuquqdar journalism," adopted as textbooks in the Journalism Faculty. As a fiction writer, her short stories focus on women's experiences and Afghan socio-cultural dynamics. In recent years, Ms. Bakhtari expanded her commitment to social work, collaborating with organizations like the Salvation Army and Ishtar Women's Resource Society in Vancouver, Canada. Applying harm reduction policies, she addresses challenges related to homelessness, poverty, addiction, and domestic violence, demonstrating her dedication to positive societal change. |
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Farukh Leqa Unchizada, is a distinguished advocate in the realm of human rights and anti-corruption efforts. Her remarkable journey began with her historic appointment as the sole female commissioner at the Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Commission from November 2020 to August 2021. Before this groundbreaking role, she served as a dedicated human rights officer for UNAMA and lent her expertise to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, with a special emphasis on combatting violence against women. With a profound knowledge and extensive background in Afghanistan dating back to 2004, Unchizada is a valuable asset to the GLO.ACT Network. Her unique perspective, which underscores the intricate relationship between human rights and the harmful consequences of corruption, promises to elevate discussions on trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants to new heights. |
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Gul Afroz Ebtekar is a dedicated advocate for equitable laws. She holds a master’s degree in law, with a specialization in Protection of Law and Internal Security, earned at the Police Academy of Volgograd in the Russian Federation. With an impressive professional tenure spanning 11 years in Afghanistan, Ebtekar has left an indelible mark in her field. Her unwavering commitment and notable achievements have earned her esteemed recognition, including the 2018 Brave Woman of the Year award presented by the United Nations. Notably, one of her significant accomplishments was serving as the Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigation at the Ministry of Interior in Afghanistan, where she skillfully resolved complex family disputes. |
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Iraq
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Dr. Ibtisam Ali Aziz formerly the Director General at the Secretary-General for the Council of Ministers of Iraq, served as the head of the Directorate of Women Empowerment. Driven by personal experiences, including the execution of her husband during Saddam's regime and her own prison sentence, she entered peacebuilding efforts in 2003, becoming a member of the provincial council of Baghdad. In her capacity, Dr. Ibtisam actively participated in committees focusing on women's and human rights. She played a pivotal role in drafting legislation for the disabled and individuals with special needs. Notably, she is a member of a committee advocating for the rights of the LGBTI community in Iraq and contributed to formulating the strategy for the advancement of Iraqi women. Following Iraq's commitment to addressing sexual violence during conflicts in 2016, Dr. Ibtisam assumed multiple roles, including being a High-level focal point for the Iraqi government with the United Nations Office on Sexual Violence. She also served as a Member of the Central Committee Combating Human Trafficking, a Member of the report writing committee, Director-General of the Women Empowerment Department, and National Coordinator for Iraq with the World Bank. Dr. Ibtisam graduated from the University of Baghdad, College of Dentistry, in 1979, and is a practicing dentist. Additionally, she received training in international law and human rights at the Italian Institute of San Remo and the Center for International Human Rights in Oslo. |
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Tavga Umer a distinguished legal professional from Erbil, holds a master's degree in law and currently serves as the Director General of the Legal and Human Rights Protection Department at the Independent Human Rights Commission in the Kurdistan Region. With over two decades of experience, she has held key positions in the Kurdistan Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, and the General Directorate of Travel. Tavga's expertise spans legal consultation, judicial investigation, and leadership roles in government. Beyond her official capacities, Tavga actively engages in regional and international initiatives, contributing to councils combating drug abuse, promoting youth welfare, and supporting the Iraqi Human Rights Defenders Union. She has extensive experience in legal protection for women and advocacy for victims, particularly those of human trafficking. Tavga has received 32 accolades and awards from prestigious institutions, including the Kurdistan Parliament, Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Governments, and various UN offices. Her contributions to human rights are further evident through publications, conferences, and engagements on relevant issues. Tavga's diverse roles, ranging from ambassador for peace to coordinator for various organizations, highlight her unwavering commitment to advancing human rights in the Kurdistan Region and globally |
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Narin Othman Abdulrahman A dedicated forensic biology professional from the Kurdistan Region, holds a degree in Biology from the College of Science, graduating in the academic year 2009-2010. For over thirteen years, Narin has been a pivotal member of the DNA department at a criminal laboratory, where she has managed a wide range of forensic cases, including paternity tests, burglary investigations, murder inquiries, and sexual assault cases throughout Kurdistan. Narin's role requires a high level of precision and sensitivity, as the analyses conducted in the laboratory can profoundly influence legal outcomes. She contributes to crucial aspects of criminal investigations, such as identifying victims or suspects, and in paternity cases, determining the accuracy of DNA profile matches. As a DNA expert, Narin is actively involved in every stage of the forensic process, from initial analysis to the final reporting. She ensures that the findings are accurate and reliable, meticulously documenting and verifying results before submitting them to the court. Committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, Narin provides clear, precise, and trustworthy evidence that supports the pursuit of justice in the Kurdistan Region. |
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Judge Mhraban Ahmad Hassan graduated from the College of Law in 2000/2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and furthered her legal education with a higher diploma from the Judicial Institute. Her professional journey began as a judicial assistant, a role which she held for three years before transitioning into private practice. For a decade, Mihraban Ahmad Hassan practiced law privately and worked with the DHRD, a humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting and assisting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This experience deepened her commitment to justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Eight years ago, she joined the Higher Judicial Institute, where she completed my training and was subsequently appointed as a judge. In this role, she continues to apply her extensive legal expertise and dedication to ensuring justice. |
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Pakistan
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Naveed Ahmad Shinwari is a senior development professional and Founding CEO of Pakistan-based NGO CAMP. He has worked across a number of thematic areas, including, conflict pre-emption and peacebuilding, Rule of Law, Human Rights (TIP and SOM), governance, youth and strengthening CSOs. In addition, with a strong focus on research and advocacy, Naveed has contributed to and authored numerous qualitative and quantitative research studies on issues of peacebuilding, migration, TIP and SOM, youth identity and political leadership, governance and access to justice in Pakistan. Naveed holds PhD in Social Anthropology and MSc in Social Research Methods from the School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, UK. Naveed also holds B.E Engineering degree from NED University, Pakistan, and IDHA from Fordham University, New York. |
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Asiya Nasir serves as the Executive Director of Resilient Women’s Network and the Coordinator for Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network. She is an accomplished politician, having served in Pakistan's National Assembly for three consecutive terms from 2002 to 2018. As a founding member of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, she's also participated in the Asian Women’s Parliamentary Caucus. As a recognized human rights defender and social worker with a Master's degree in English Literature and a Diploma in "Participation of Women" in Planning & Development from the University College London, UK, she is well-equipped for her advocacy. Ms. Nasir is known for her vocal stance on human rights within and outside the Parliament and has represented Pakistan at various international forums such as the UN, IPU, SAARC, and the Commonwealth. She regularly delivers speeches at both national and international platforms, emphasizing the rights of women and religious minorities. Her core focus areas include promoting peaceful coexistence, fighting against forced conversions, addressing early marriages, advancing women's socio-economic empowerment, and championing education for all. Her overarching vision centers on fostering inclusive democracy, social cohesion, and a culture of mutual respect and equality for all citizens. |
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Dr. Mehrub Moiz Awan is a Khwaja Sira activist, performance artist, and global policy practitioner specializing in institutional and governance reform in post-colonial states, as well as issues related to gender and sexuality. Her approach spans various disciplines, incorporating human-centred design thinking, participatory ethnography, systems thinking, and econometrics. With a background that includes consulting for prominent organizations such as the World Bank, the International Center for Research on Women, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Dr. Awan holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and earned her Master's in Global Health Policy as a Fulbright scholar at The George Washington University in the USA. Currently, she collaborates with national organizations and governments to implement evidence-based reforms across diverse sectors. Dr. Awan is a prominent figure in the media, known for her progressive and post-colonial viewpoints. |
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Tajikistan
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Dr. Nigina Alizoda is the First Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan and a distinguished legal expert with over 25 years of experience in public service, international organizations, and academia. She holds a Ph.D. in Law and the rank of State Legal Advisor, 2nd Class. Dr. Alizoda has been instrumental in advancing legal reforms in the areas of human rights, rule of law, access to justice, and governance, with a particular emphasis on the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children. Dr. Alizoda has led critical initiatives in juvenile justice reform and efforts to combat violence against women. She serves as the chair of an interdepartmental sub-working group under the President’s Executive Office of Republic of Tajikistan, which is dedicated to advancing gender equality and eliminating harmful stereotypes. With a strong background in diplomacy, Dr. Alizoda has involved in reforms addressing migration, the prevention of human trafficking, and the modernization of consular institutions. While serving in foreign affairs, she was pivotal in Tajikistan’s engagement with international treaties, such as the Hague Convention on Apostille and other human rights-related legal instruments. Additionally, Dr. Alizoda leads the Women’s Council at the Ministry of Justice and is actively engaged in various philanthropic and social initiatives. She remains a staunch advocate for the rule of law, gender equality, and inclusive governance, contributing to Tajikistan’s broader vision of sustainable development and equity. |
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Umeda Sadr is Founder and CEO of the public organization Korvoni umed (Caravan of Hope) and first social café Chatr. Fifteen years ago, she experienced gender-based violence firsthand. This ignited her desire to help others facing similar struggles, leading to her lifelong mission and professional journey. Caravan of Hope was founded with a vision to create a safe haven for women and children affected by violence. With donor support, they established shelters providing not only a roof but also comprehensive support for healing and growth. Women and children can stay for three to six months, receiving essential rehabilitation and psychological support to prepare for a stable future. Umeda is inspired by the resilience of the women they support. Witnessing their transformation is fulfilling, making her mission to provide hope and new beginnings deeply rewarding. She seeks to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations to extend their support and create a world where every woman and child can live free from fear and thrive. |
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International
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Jane Charles-Voltaire, Esq. is the International Association of Women Judge’s (IAWJ) Director of Programs. Jane has over a decade of experience in international law and international program management. Jane provides strategic leadership and oversight to IAWJ programs, which support women justice sector actors in advancing human rights initiatives and promoting gender equality within courts around the globe. Jane earned her B.A. in Romance Languages and Literature from Wesleyan University and her J.D. from Temple University. |
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Julia Jaeger, currently holds the position of First Vice President for the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). Her career in law enforcement spans most of her working life, beginning with Sussex Police where she started as a cadet, progressed to constable and detective roles, with a focus on policing women and children in the pre-equality era. Her responsibilities included addressing issues like domestic violence and sexual offenses. After a career break for further studies, Julia joined the Metropolitan Police in 1987, spending the remainder of her career primarily in West London. Initially involved in patrol work and public order, she later joined the Criminal Investigation Department, where she was promoted to sergeant. Throughout her career, she managed various roles, including overseeing patrols, the control room, and Custody Suites. In 2001, Julia took on an international assignment with the United Nations Police in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Upon her return to the UK, she was promoted to Inspector, supervising community policing, uniform patrols, and policing bus transport until her retirement in 2011. Julia's involvement with IAWP began in 2005, and in 2009 she was elected to the Board of Directors, representing Europe. Over time, she assumed the role of Recording Secretary and currently serves as the First Vice President. Her role with IAWP has afforded her opportunities to travel to countries such as Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, and Palestine, where she actively contributes to the establishment of policewomen's networks. |
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Andria Kenney, has been working directly with, and on behalf of vulnerable, marginalized groups for nearly 20 years, primarily in situations of forced displacement and unstable contexts. As a specialist on Protection with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Andria has focused in recent years on counter human trafficking in crisis settings developing policy, training tools, and supporting the implementation of conflict-sensitive, direct assistance. Apart from IOM, she has worked with UNHCR, the Canadian Red Cross, a think tank on security sector reform, and several NGOs assisting trafficked women and girls, as well as youth affected by homelessness and drug addiction. Andria works at IOM headquarters in Geneva, with a new focus on Humanitarian Border Management. |
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Maria Dolores Lopez Sanchez , Police Commissioner María Dolores López Sánchez is currently the Chief of the National Bureau for Human Rights and Gender Equality in the Policia Nacional. During her 27 years at Policia Nacional, López Sánchez has notably served as the Brigade Chief of two central units: the Central Unit for Human Trafficking, Migrant Smuggling, and Document Fraud, and the Central Unit for Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Crimes against Women and Minors. These units play a vital role in promoting women's equal opportunities and human rights. López Sánchez holds a degree in law as well as a master's degree in strategic management in public security. |
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Malaika Oringo is an international survivor leader advocate, serving as the Founding Director of Footprint to Freedom, a survivor-led organization dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking to advocate for abolition legislation, gender equality, climate action, proper labor rights, safe migration policies, victim support, and financial inclusion. She also serves as a Director of the Africa Survivor Coalition, which amplifies the voices of African survivors of human trafficking to develop context-specific solutions to combat human trafficking and address its aftermath in Africa. She is a founding member of Beyond survivors, a cluster of three survivor-led organizations united to empower other survivors and advocate for more vital EU legislation on child sexual exploitation. She works with The Salvation Army as the Global Specialist on Survivor Engagement and Inclusion. She is also a former International Survivor Advisory Council member under the OSCE.
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Alethia Jimenez is currently the Senior Advisor on the Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment for the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Prior to this appointment, Alethia worked with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) between 2010 and 2023. She worked as the Team Leader in Papua New Guinea in the Safe Cities for Women and Girls Programme to end violence against women in public spaces between 2010 and 2014. She then moved to UN Women’s Regional Office in the Arab States as the Strategic Planning and Coordination Specialist, and in April 2017, she joined the UN Women Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) team in Headquarters as a Programme and Policy Advisor on EVAW to manage the Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women as well as UN Women’s human trafficking portfolio. Alethia also worked as a consultant with several UN agencies in the areas of aid effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation, performance assessment, and statistical analysis. She has also worked with the UN and NGOs in different areas of programming including armed violence prevention, mine action, conflict resolution and peace-building, child protection, human trafficking, gender equality, and gender-based violence. Alethia’s passion for working in the fight against human trafficking motivated her to founded One Less – Una Menos in 2008 as a non-profit organization focusing on human trafficking prevention programmes in Mexico and the USA. She led the organization until 2016. |
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