Meeting of States parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Twenty-eighth meeting
New York, 21 June 2019
Item 5 of the provisional agenda
Election, in accordance with article 8 (1–5) of the Convention, of nine members of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to replace those whose terms of office will expire on 19 January 2020
Election of nine members of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to replace thosewhose terms of office will expire on 19 January 2020
Note by the Secretary-General
1.In accordance with article 8 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the twenty-eighth meeting of the States parties to the Convention is to be held at United Nations Headquarters on 21 June 2019 for the purpose of electing nine members of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from a list of candidates nominated by States parties (sect. II), to replace those whose terms will expire on 19 January 2020 (sect. I). Nine members will continue to serve on the Committee until 19 January 2022 (sect. III).
I.Members of the Committee whose terms expire on19 January 2020
Name of member |
Country of nationality |
Mr. Alexei Avtonomov |
Russian Federation |
Mr. José Francisco Calí Tzay |
Guatemala |
Ms. Fatimata-Binta Victoire Dah |
Burkina Faso |
Ms. Yanduan Li |
China |
Ms. María Teresa Verdugo Moreno a |
Spain |
Ms. Gay McDougall |
United States of America |
Ms. Yemhelhe Mint Mohamed |
Mauritania |
Mr. Pastor Elias Murillo Martínez |
Colombia |
Ms. Verene Albertha Shepherd |
Jamaica |
a Following the resignation of Mr. Nicolás Marugán, on 3 February 2019, Spain has appointed Ms. María Teresa Verdugo Moreno to serve the remainder of his term, expiring on 19 January 2020.
II.Candidates nominated by States parties
2.In accordance with article 8 (3) of the Convention, the Secretary-General, in a note verbale dated 27 December 2018, invited States parties to submit, within two months, their nominations for the election of nine members to the Committee. All curricula vitae received by 27 February 2019 are included in the present document (see annex).
3.Listed below are the names of the persons nominated for election to the Committee, in the order in which their nominations were received, and the States parties that nominated them.
Name of candidate |
Nominated by |
Mr. Alexei Avtonomov |
Russian Federation |
Ms. Verene Albertha Shepherd |
Jamaica |
Mr. Saied A. Ashshowwaf |
Saudi Arabia |
Ms. Yanduan Li |
China |
Ms. Yemhelhe Mint Mohamed |
Mauritania |
Ms. Stamatia Stavrinaki |
Greece |
Mr. Eduardo Ernesto Vega Luna |
Peru |
Ms. Janet Elizabeth Blake |
Iran (Islamic Republic of) |
Mr. Ibrahima Guisse |
Senegal |
Ms. Faith Dikeledi Pansy Tlakula |
South Africa |
Mr. Siniša Bjeković |
Montenegro |
Mr. Abderrazak Rouwanea |
Morocco |
Ms. Sheikha Abdulla Ali Al-Misnad |
Qatar |
a Nomination withdrawn.
III.Members of the Committee whose terms expire on19 January 2022
Name of member |
Country of nationality |
Mr. Silvio José Albuquerque e Silva |
Brazil |
Mr. Noureddine Amir |
Algeria |
Mr. Marc Bossuyt |
Belgium |
Ms. Chinsung Chung |
Republic of Korea |
Mr. Bakari Sidiki Diaby |
Côte d’Ivoire |
Ms. Rita Izsák-Ndiaye |
Hungary |
Ms. Keiko Ko |
Japan |
Mr. Gün Kut |
Turkey |
Mr. Yeung Kam John Yeung Sik Yuen |
Mauritius |
Annex
Curricula vitae *
Alexei AVTONOMOV (Russian Federation)
Date and place of birth: 9 March 1959, Moscow
Working languages:
English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Italian, Bulgarian, German, Serbian and Finnish
Current position/function:
•2001–present: Professor of the State University of Humanitarian Sciences
Main professional activities:
•1994–present: Senior research fellow and the head of a section of the Institute of State and Law (Russian Academy of Science);
•1985–present: Member of the Russian Political Science Association;
•1993–present: Member of the Council of the Centre for Volunteer Effort;
•1997–present: Member of the Expert Council on constitutional Law under the Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, 2002 – Co-Chair of the Council;
•1999–present: Member of the Expert council of the Russian Ombudsman;
•1999–present: Head of the Council of the Institute on the Development of the Election Systems;
•2000–present: Member of the International Consultative Council of the International Foundation on Election Systems;
•2002–present: Member of the Commission on drafting the Constitutional Act of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, Head of the Russian Expert Group;
•2003–present: Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (within the International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination).
Educational background:
•1981Graduate of Moscow State Institute for International Relations (International Law faculty);
•1984PhD in Law, Moscow State Institute for International Relations;
•1986Graduate of the Social and Economy Stream of the Department for the Professional Skill Improvement, Moscow State Institute for International Relations;
•1995Graduate of the 16th Summer Human Rights School organized by the Canadian Human Rights Foundation;
•1999Doctor of Juridical Science, Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Science.
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Participated in the preparation of the analytical materials for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in drafting the following laws: “On Political Parties”, “On Charities and on Non-profit Organizations” within the Working groups of the Supreme Soviet; “On Public Organizations”, “On Voluntary Activities”, “On Legal Guarantees of Opposition Activities”, “On Non-commercial Funds” and “On Juvenile Courts in the Russian Federation” within the working groups of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Most recent publications in the field:
•Author of numerous publications in Russia, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, United Kingdom – total number of pages – more than 9,500;
•Member of the Editorial Board of the journal “Representative Power” (Moscow, since 1995);
•Member of the International Research Group “Forum Eastern Europe”;
•Member of the Editorial Council of the Russian Edition of the journal “Constitutional Law, East European Review” (Moscow, since 1999);
•Member of the Editorial Board of the journal “Perspectives on European Politics: Journal of Intra-European Dialogue” (Leiden, the Netherlands, since 2000);
•Chief Editor of the anthology “Questions of Juvenile Justice”.
Verene SHEPHERD (Jamaica)
Date and place of birth: 16 April 1951, St Mary, Jamaica
Working languages: English, Spanish, Jamaican Nation Language
Current position/function:
Consultant on Human Rights issues (including, but not limited to, reparatory justice and the memorialization of heroines and heroes in keeping with the International Decade for People of African Descent); international speaker on human rights; consultant for projects on memorialization of slavery and post-slavery icons; local, regional and international speaker on general topics on Caribbean History and Gender Issues; and recognised across Jamaica as a public historian.
Main professional activities:
Currently serving as an elected member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an honorary member of the International Women’s Forum Jamaica, radio show host (“Talking History” on Nationwide 90 FM Jamaica), a Professor of Social History at the University of the West Indies, a consultant on Reparatory Justice, a member of the advisory boards of a few academic journals, such as Small Axe, Slavery and Abolition, Caribbean Quarterly as well as a member of the Jamaica Historical Society.
Educational background:
•1988PhD (History), University of Cambridge;
•1985MPhil (History), University of the West Indies;
•1976B.A. (History), University of the West Indies;
•Trained Teacher, Shortwood Teachers’ College.
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Currently the focal point person on the CERD for Non-Self-Governing Territories (on the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization). During the past three years was country rapporteur for Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal and co-rapporteur for China; an active participant in the expansion of the regional History curriculum and syllabus as an advisor to the Caribbean Examination Council to include human rights as an important area of study. Contributed, along with Professor Roseanne Flores and Dr Okorodudu, on a pending publication titled “The Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Human Rights.
List of most recent publications in the field:
1.20 Questions and Answers on Reparation (Pending);
2.Biography on Lucille Mathurin Mair, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations;
3.The Gibson Relays: History and Impact on Jamaica’s Sports Culture and Social Development (2013) which highlights the history of gender bias in Sports in Jamaica;
4.I Want to Disturb My Neighbour (2007) is a collection of papers addressing Jamaica’s history of racial and gender discrimination and its implications on contemporary society;
5.Recalling the Trail of Tears and Blood: Voices from the 1831/32 Emancipation War led by Samuel Sharpe in Jamaica (2015).
Saied A. ASHSHOWWAF (Saudi Arabia)
Date and place of birth: 21 May 1947 (Qatif, Saudi Arabia)
Working languages: Arabic, English, and beginner French
Current position/function:
Currently a Member of the Council at Saudi Human Rights Commission and Chairperson of Civil and Political Rights Committee. His extensive work in the area of Human Rights and specifically the elimination of discriminatory practices against a broad spectrum of themes has led to his appointment as an Independent Eminent Expert to follow the implementation of the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action.
Main professional activities:
As a member of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, Dr. Ashshowwaf attends Council meetings and reviews issues related to human rights protection, promotion, education and implementation of international and legal human rights standards, he participates in preparing periodical reports about the status of Human Rights treaties of which Saudi Arabia is a State Party, including Saudi Arabia’s national report to the Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He is currently the Chair of the Committee for Civil and Political Rights at the Commission and maintains membership in working groups which coordinate national and international issues related to human rights. Dr. Ashshowwaf assists the Saudi Human Rights Commission in preparing and implementing institutional and national strategies/action plans. He also lectures and facilitates workshops on the topic of national and international efforts to combat racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Educational background:
Ph.D. in Public Administration (Development Administration and Administrative Behavior) from State University of New York at Albany (1985), and an MPA (Policy Analysis and Human Resources and Organizational Development) from the American University in Washington D.C. (1982). He has a BSc in Criminal Justice and English Literature from University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo Colorado, USA (1977). Additionally, he has several Post-Doctoral Certifications from institutions such as Yale University, Harvard University and George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Dr. Ashshowwaf has extensive international and national experience in international affairs and human rights. Most notably, Dr. Ashshowwaf is appointed as a United Nations Independent Eminent Expert to follow up the implementation of Durban Declaration and Program of Action. He has also participated annually in the preparation, presentation and discussion of the Saudi National Periodic Report of the Human Rights Treaty to Eliminate All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and in the discussion of Freedom of Religion with the Independent International United States Committee for Freedom of Religion. Additionally, Dr. Ashshowwaf was a participant in the discussion of the USA Human Rights Reports in Saudi Arabia with the USA Team.
List of most recent publications in the field:
•The Rights to Healthcare, The Rights Journal, No. 11, May 2015;
•Human Rights and 2030 SDGs, Yamamah University, 16 March 2017;
•National and International Efforts to Protect and Promote Human Rights: 70 Years Celebration of the International Human Rights Declaration, SHRC, Riyadh, 2018;
•Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance at Work Place, SHRC, Riyadh, 2018. National Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan, Riyadh 2018.
Yanduan LI (China)
Date and place of birth: 23 January 1955, Beijing, China
Working languages: Chinese, English, Russian
Current position/function:
•2019–present: Visiting Professor, Institute for Human Rights, China University of Political Science and Law;
•2016–present: Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;
•2011–present: Member of China’s Society of Diplomatic Affairs;
•1993–present: Member of Chinese Society of International Law.
Main professional activities:
•2013–2015: Ambassador of China to the Independent State of Samoa;
•2011–2013: Special Representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of P.R. China for Climate Change Negotiations;
•2006–2010: Deputy Consul-General of P.R China in Sydney, Australia;
•2001–2005: Head of Legal Division, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of P.R. China in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China;
•1994–2000: Director, Counsellor, Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of P.R. China;
•1990–1994: Second and First Secretary of Permanent Mission of P.R. China to the United Nations (Legal Office);
•1985–1990: Third and Second Secretary, Division of Human Rights, Department of Treaty and Law, MFA, P.R. China;
•1980–1984: Attaché, Division of Treaties, Department of Treaty and Law, MFA, P.R. China;
•1975–1980: Staff Member, General Office, MFA, P.R. China.
Educational background:
•1985 LL.M., Columbia Law School in New York;
•1980 B.A., China Foreign Affairs University (Department of International Law) in Beijing, China;
•1975 B.A., Beijing University of Foreign Languages (School of Russian Literature).
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
•2011–2013: Taking part in COPs 17 and 18 of UNFCCC in Durban and Doha, AWG-KP 16 and 17, as well as other relevant negotiation meetings and consultations concerning the Kyoto Protocol, as Deputy Head or Head of Chinese Delegation;
•1994–2001: Taking part in all negotiation meetings of Ad Hoc Committee on Establishment of International Criminal Court, Preparatory Committee on Establishment of International Criminal Court, United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an ICC, as well as the Preparatory Commission, as Head or Deputy Head of Chinese delegation;
•1990–1994: Taking part in 45th, 46th, 47th and 48th sessions of UNGA, in the meetings of Sixth Committee, Third Committee, Special Committee of the Charter of the United Nations, United Nations Committee on Relations with the Host Country, and some Security Council meetings concerning legal matters, as the Alternate Delegate or Delegate of Chinese Delegation;
•1986–1990: Taking part in the Third Committee of the 41st session of UNGA, as the Alternate Delegate of Chinese Delegation; taking part in 43rd, 44th and 45th sessions of United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in the meetings of the Commission and negotiation meetings of WG on rights of child, WG on rights of migrant workers and WG on rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, as the Delegate of Chinese delegation.
List of most recent publications in the field:
Co-author of “Commentary on Charter of the United Nations” (in Chinese language, published by Shanxi Education Press, China).
Yemhelhe Mint MOHAMED (Mauritania)
[Original: French]
Date and place of birth: 23 November 1963, Atoun, Mauritania
Working languages: French
Current position/function:
Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Judge/Adviser to the President of the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court.
Main professional activities:
•Participating in three sessions per year of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and completing any assignments entrusted to him by the Committee
•As a Supreme Court judge:
•Reviewing cases submitted to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court
•Attending court hearings and participating in the court’s deliberations
•Drafting rulings and decisions of the Administrative Division
Educational background:
•Baccalaureate, Modern Languages (in French)
•Master’s in Public International Law
•Masters in Islamic Law
•Postgraduate Diploma in International Law (decentralization and community management)
•International Institute of Public Administration, Paris, and National School of Administration (ENA), Nouakchott
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
•As Director of Legislation for the Prime Minister, involved in the drafting of a number of laws relevant to the work of the Committee, including slavery, racial discrimination, torture and child labour
•Member of the interministerial committee on the elimination of the consequences of slavery in the country
List of most recent publications in the field:
Articles in local papers on:
•Women’s liberation
•Discrimination against women and children
•The gender approach
Stamatia STAVRINAKI (Greece)
Date and place of birth: 2 November 1974, Athens, Greece
Working languages: English, French, Greek
Current position/function:
In my current position, I coordinate the Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN). It is comprised of 46 civil society organisations, established by groups which are usually targeted by racist violence themselves and other actors offering medical, social and legal services and/or coming in direct contact with victims of racist violence or victims of other hate- or bias-motivated violent attacks. The RVRN records incidents of racist violence and supports victims. International human rights bodies and organisations recognise its reliability by basing their findings on its data and its conclusions.
Main professional activities:
Teaching Assistant, International Human Rights Law and Public International law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Political Science and Public Administration (2018–2019); University of London, International Programme (2017–present); Human Rights Officer with the Greek National Commission for Human Rights (NHRI-Status A) (2008–2013); Human Rights Fellow with the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights (2003–2007), University of Nantes (2006–2008), Tutor, Master « Droits fondamentaux ». As an Independent Expert: Legislative drafting Committee for substantive gender equality (2010–2011); Economic and Social Council of Greece (2008–2011 ad hoc); Council of Europe (November 2005, February 2006); Athens Bar Association (Attorney at Law since 2001).
Educational background:
•PhD, University Panthéon-Assas, Paris II, “Individual Complaint Procedures under the United Nations Human Rights Treaties” (2015);
•D.E.A. « Droit comparé des droits de l’homme – La protection des droits de l’homme en Europe », University Robert Schuman-Strasbourg III, Institut des Hautes Etudes Européennes (2000);
•LLB, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1998).
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Training of humanitarian staff of UNHCR and civil society organisations against racism and racist violence (since 2015); Member of the National Council against Racism and Intolerance (2015–present); Advise on projects of integration of third country nationals; Victims’ support and counselling of human rights civil society organisations and human rights lawyers on racist crimes and cases of discrimination; Training of law enforcement officials (EU Address Hate Crimes – 2015); Evaluation of projects on the integration of third country nationals (on behalf of the National Commission for Human Rights) – General Secretariat for Migration Policy (2010–2012); Participation in the Citizenship Committee of Athens (2011–2012).
List of most recent publications in the field:
•« Le régime de communications individuelles dans le système des traités des Nations Unies relatifs aux droits de l’homme », Editions A. Pedone, Paris, 2016, 618 p;
• “Optional Protocol to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” in I. Bantekas, M. Stein, D. Anastassiou (eds), The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A Commentary (OUP November 2018);
•Perinçek c/ Suisse, Chronique de jurisprudence de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (année 2015), Journal du droit international (Clunet) – Octobre 2016 – n° 4;
•M’Bala M’Bala c/ France, Chronique de jurisprudence de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (année 2015), Journal du droit international (Clunet) – Octobre 2016 – n° 4;
•Annual Reports, Racist Violence Recording Network (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017);
•National Commission for Human Rights reports;
•Combatting racist violence: police and judicial response (2011);
•Extremist groups, public discourse and racist violence in sports (2012).
Eduardo Ernesto VEGA LUNA (Peru)
[Original: Spanish]
Date and place of birth: 16 February 1966, Lima, Peru
Working languages: Spanish, English
Current position/function:
•Director of the Institute of Ethics and Development at the Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya (March 2017 to date)
•Lecturer at the Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya, teaching courses at the Law School on the solution and transformation of social conflict and on studies of corruption (since 2014).
Main professional activities:
Member of the Presidential Commission on Reform of the Justice System (July 2018) and President (Honorary) of the Presidential Commission on Integrity (October–December 2016). Ombudsman (acting) from April 2011 to September 2016; First Deputy at the Ombudsman’s Office (acting) and Deputy for Human Rights and Persons with Disabilities at the Ombudsman’s Office (2007–2008). Worked in the Deputy’s Office from 2000 to 2006 as section chief responsible for the promotion of the rights of victims of police violence and for the preparation of policy proposals on addressing the consequences of violence. Coordinator of the ad hoc commission on pardons for persons unjustly tried and sentenced for terrorism under Act No. 26655 (November 1996–December 1999). Practised as a lawyer at the Legal Defence Institute (January 1994–October 1996) and the Episcopal Social Welfare Commission (1992–1993).
Educational background:
•Degree in Law and Political Sciences
•Lawyer for the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
•Master’s in Peace and Development, UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, at the Universidad Jaume I, Spain, 2005
•Master’s in Criminal Law, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2003
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
As President of the Presidential Commission on Integrity, proposed to the President of the Republic some practical measures to promote integrity in the public and private sectors, strengthen transparency and punish corruption. In the course of his work at the Ombudsman’s Office, whose mandate is to defend the fundamental rights of individuals and the community (including the right to equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination) and to oversee the work of the public administration and the provision of social services, he headed the institution; managed the implementation of its policies and strategies by 38 offices around the country; advised on and made proposals for the institution’s management strategies, policies and plans; and was responsible for the institution’s policy on the protection of fundamental rights, especially with regard to vulnerable population groups suffering from discrimination.
List of most recent publications in the field:
No recent publications.
Janet Elizabeth BLAKE (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
Date and place of birth: 2 November 1960, St Andrews, Scotland (UK)
Working languages: English, Persian, French (reading knowledge of Spanish)
Current position/function:
•Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran;
•Head, Department of Human Rights, Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University;
•International Relations Director, UNESCO Chair for Human Rights Peace and Democracy, Shahid Beheshti University;
•Head, Human Rights Department, Research Centre for Human Rights Peace and Democracy, Shahid Beheshti University;
•Member of Cultural Heritage Law Committee, International Law Association.
Main professional activities:
•University teaching (Human Rights Law, International Environmental Law) and related research and publication;
•Facilitating international capacity-building workshops (in the Asia-Pacific region) as a Global Facilitator for UNESCO;
•Involvement with work of the International Law Association and the European Society of International Law.
Educational background:
•School: 3 A grades at A-level (Oxford and Cambridge Examinations) in English, History and Latin (2 A* grades for History and English);
•University: BA and MA in Classics (2i) – University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK (1979–1982);
•PhD in International Law – University of Dundee, Scotland, UK (1991–1996);
•Postdoctoral: Leverhulme Special Research Fellowship, School of Law, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK (1996–1998).
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
•Promoting human rights and human rights education in Iran through the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights Peace and Democracy, Shahid Beheshti University and developing human rights-based research through the Human Rights Department, Research Centre for Human Rights Peace and Democracy, Shahid Beheshti University;
•Consultancy activities for UNESCO: preparation of documents for the Intergovernmental Committee, developing a results-based reporting framework and revision of the Periodic Reporting mechanism of a treaty body;
•Consultancy activities for the United Nations Agencies based in Tehran (e.g. preparation of the country’s UNDAF and UNDP Human Development Report);
•Director of the Persian Garden Institute of Living Heritage, an NGO active in Iran supporting local community participation in heritage safeguarding, including working with pastoral and nomadic groups.
List of most recent publications in the field:
•Janet Blake “Protection of intangible cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict: an imperative for cultural heritage, humanitarian and human rights law” (2017) Europa Ethnica, 74(3): 73–81;
•Janet Blake “Cultural Heritage in the Human Rights System” in Andreas Joh. Wiesand, Kalliopi Chainoglou and Anna Śledzińska-Simon (eds) Culture and Human Rights – The Wroclaw Commentaries (Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2017);
•Janet Blake “Collective Cultural Rights Considered in the Light of Recent Developments in Cultural Heritage Law” in Andreizj Jakubowski (ed.) Cultural Rights as Collective Rights – An International Law Perspective (Brill, Leiden, 2016);
•Janet Blake Exploring Cultural Rights and Cultural Diversity, With a Compendium of Relevant Human Rights and Other Instruments (Shahid Beheshti University Press, 2016) [published in English and Persian];
•Janet Blake (2015) “Human Rights Dimensions of Gender and Intangible Cultural Heritage” Australian Human Rights Defender 20(4): 5–6;
•Janet Blake A Report on the Human Rights Situation of Neighbouring States to Iran (UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Peace and Democracy, 2013 [in Persian].
Ibrahima GUISSE (Senegal)
[Original: French]
Date and place of birth: 10 June 1970, Thilogne, Senegal
Working languages: French, English
Current position/function:
•2018: Associate researcher, University of Geneva
•2010–2017: Senior Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland/School of Social Work (HES-S/HETS)
•2011 to date: Associate researcher, Centre for Research on Immigration, Ethnicity and Citizenship (CRIEC), University of Quebec at Montreal
•2004–2017: Principal representative of the African Assembly for the Defense of Human Rights (RADDHO), Geneva
Main professional activities:
Several years’ experience of research and development on topics related to migration and development, globalization, and relationships between majority and minority groups.
Extensive professional experience in the field of human rights within the multilateral system of the United Nations in Geneva. Active member of various discussion groups on living together, managing migration, and human security.
Completed several studies and projects for various multilateral organizations on topics related to social inclusion and the empowerment of vulnerable groups (migrants, ethnic minorities, refugees).
Educational background:
•2010: PhD in Economic and Social Sciences (specialism: sociology), University of Geneva, Switzerland
•2002: Postgraduate studies, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, University of Fribourg and University of Neuchâtel
•2001: Foundation course, Youth Advice and Support Centre for Human Rights (CODAP), Geneva
•1998: Master’s in Sociology, Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Senegal
•1997: Degree in Political Science, Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Senegal
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Participated in the Durban process: regional preparatory meeting for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Dakar, January 2001, and the World Conference itself (Durban, 31 August–7 September 2001). Participated in the post-Durban process: international advocacy of follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action. Organized thematic workshops to explore such topics as: victims of racism and discrimination, Africans and persons of African descent, refugees, migrants and persons with disabilities. Scientific discussions on social inequalities and the intersectionality of racism.
List of most recent publications in the field:
•(2016) “The clash of perceptions: illegal migration as a quest for security.” In: Perception study on the drivers of insecurity and violent extremism in the border regions of the Sahel.
•(2015) Etudiants du Sud et internalisation des hautes écoles: entre illusions et espoirs. Edition Iés, Geneva.
•(2011) “De la quête de connaissance aux aspirations de reconnaissance.” In: Diversité Canadienne, vol. 8:5.
•(2011) Migration des jeunes d ’ Afrique Subsaharienne: Quels défis pour l ’ avenir (ed.). L’Harmattan.
Faith Dikeledi Pansy TLAKULA (South Africa)
Date and place of birth: 12 June 1957, South Africa
Working languages: English
Current position/function:
I am the current Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa. The Regulator is a statutory body whose mandate is to promote and protect the right of access to information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the right to privacy as it relates to data protection in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act. It is independent and subject only to the Constitution of the Republic. The Regulator is accountable to the National Assembly. The five members of the Regulator are appointed by the President on recommendation of the National Assembly.
Main professional activities:
For the past 35 years I have occupied leadership positions in the public and private sectors and academic institutions nationally and in the region. These include: Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) (1995–2001), Chief Electoral Officer and Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (2002–2014), Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) (2005–2017) and Chairperson of the Commission (2015–2017). These positions have equipped me with skills and experience in governance and organizational development. In the two years that the Regulator was established, my colleagues and I have already established governance frameworks and structures, adopted policies and established the organizational structure. I have extensive experience in the promotion and protection of human rights both nationally and in the region. My tenure at both the SAHRC and the ACHPR, which are both quasi-judicial bodies, has equipped me with skills to adjudicate complaints of human rights violations and to interact and communicate with elected public representatives and government officials at the highest level.
Educational background:
•Board Leadership Programme (Certificate) – The Gordon Institute of Business Science, 2010
•Honorary Doctorate in Legal Studies – Vaal University of Technology, 2006
•LL.M. – Harvard University, 1989
•LL.B. – University of the Witwatersrand, 1983
•B.Proc. – University of the North (now University of Limpopo), 1981
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
During my tenure at the SAHRC, I was designated as the focal point for programmes and projects related to racism and racial discrimination. I participated in all the Commission’s national enquires on racism and racial discrimination which included racism in schools, in residences of selected universities and in the police service. I was also part of the team that adjudicated individual complaints of human rights violations. Since the Commission was established at the dawn of democracy, most of the complaints related to racism and racial discrimination. In 2000, the Chairperson of the Commission and I co-convened the first National Conference on Racism in preparation for the 2001 WCAR, which I attended. I was part of the team that drafted the first National Action Plan on Racism. At the ACHPR, I participated in the examination of more than twenty State reports submitted in terms of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and drafted concluding observations. In addition to adjudicating individual and interstate communications, I undertook promotional and fact-finding missions to several African countries. In 2016, I led the fact-finding mission to Burundi.
List of most recent publications in the field:
Throughout my career, I have written and delivered papers in many conferences, workshops and seminars nationally, on the African Continent and internationally on various aspects of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to access to information and the rights of LGBTI community. In December 2018 I delivered a paper at a high-level working group meeting on mitigating the disruptive application of ICT on the electoral process in Africa which was convened by former President of Nigeria, President Obasanjo. These papers are usually published in the conference publications.
Siniša BJEKOVIĆ (Montenegro)
Date and place of birth: 12 April 1963, Pljevlja, Montenegro
Working languages: English, Italian
Current position/function:
Deputy Ombudsman of Montenegro/Head of Department for the Fight Against Discrimination, Gender Equality and the Protection of Minority Rights
Main professional activities:
Promotion of equality, fight against discrimination and intolerance, analysis of the laws in the field of discrimination and intolerance, lecturing on equality rights, organization of campaigns, organization of round tables, conferences and other forms of training and education, acting on the basis of individual and collective complaints, statistical and empirical researches, field work on the protection of vulnerable groups (visits to the regions, settlements and urban districts settled by the specific vulnerable groups: Roma, national minorities, etc.), representation of the victims of discrimination before the courts, international cooperation in creating anti-discrimination standards, cooperation with the national stakeholders and institutions by harmonizing standards of HR, etc.
Educational background:
•University of Montenegro – Faculty of Law, Podgorica – Bachelor in Law;
•UDG University Faculty of Law, Podgorica, Montenegro – MA in Legal Sciences;
•UDG University Faculty of Law, Podgorica, Montenegro – PhD candidate on EU Law;
•University of Montenegro Institute for Foreign Languages, Podgorica, Montenegro – Certificate on English Language;
•Ministry of Justice of Montenegro, Podgorica, State Commission – State Examination qualifying for work in the branch.
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
•2001–2015: University of Montenegro Human Rights Centre – Head of research and projects coordinator;
•2004–2006: University of Sarajevo & University Bologna, Master Program on Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe – ERMA – Lecturer in cluster on economic and social rights;
•2006: Thematic evaluation of UNICEF’s contribution to juvenile justice system reform in four countries: Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan – Local expert associated to the Team leader;
•2006 and recently: NGO CEDEM (Centre for Democracy and Human Rights) Lecturer and trainer on education of younger court servants on ECHR case law;
•2007: OSCE Mission in Montenegro – Local Officer for Human and Minority Rights;
•2007: UNDP associated expert to the Ministry of Justice – work on National Program of Implementation of European Partnership in Montenegro;
•2008 and recently: Human Resources Agency of the Government of Montenegro Lecturer and trainer Education and training of public administration;
•2010–2014: OSCE and Ministry for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro Trainer for misdemeanour judges, court servants and civil servants;
•2010 and recently: Judicial Training Centre of Montenegro Trainer and lecturer on ECHR law and practice;
•2012–2016: NGO representative Member of the Working group in preparing negotiations with the EU in Chapter 24 (Cooperation in civil and commercial matters and Cooperation in criminal matters) and Chapter 19 (anti-discrimination);
•2008 and recently : Member of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance, Council of Europe.
List of most recent publications in the field:
•2017 “Persons Deprived of Legal Capacity and Guardianship” – ECHR standards and Montenegrin law – legal analysis;
•UNDP in Montenegro;
•2015 “Asylum and Migration Policies in EU Accession Process”;
•NGO CEDEM, Podgorica;
•2014 Improvement of Media Rights: Media Reporting in Juvenile Justice, University of Montenegro Faculty of Political Sciences and Law Faculty Human Rights Centre;
•2014 Monitoring of Montenegrin courts in criminal proceedings;
•NGO Civic Alliance;
•2013 International cooperation and standards of fair trial in processing criminal acts of terrorism, organised crime and war crimes;
•NGO CEDEM, Podgorica;
•2013 “Balancing Between Right to Privacy and Freedom of Expression”, Law Faculty Centre for Human Rights – Podgorica;
•2012 Children on the Move;
•NGO Centre for Child Rights of Montenegro;
•2012 Monitoring of the Montenegro courts work in Montenegro in 2012;
•NGO Civic alliance;
•2012 Key Challenges in the Area of Migrations and Asylum in Montenegro;
•NGO CEDEM, Podgorica.
Sheikha ABDULLA ALI AL-MISNAD (Qatar)
Date and place of birth: 1 January 1953, The State of Qatar
Working languages: English, Arabic
Current position/function:
•Member of Council of Qatar University;
•Member of the Committee of the Scientific School Project at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar;
•Member of the World Justice Project;
•Member of the board of Trustees of the German Orient Foundation.
Main professional activities:
Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, a leading Qatari academic and educator, was appointed the first woman President of Qatar University in 2003 up until 2015. She is a well-known published researcher and has an extensive list of publications in academic journals which she often presents in academic conferences. Her scholarly publications depict a deep knowledge of both international law and international human rights law. In her numerous professional activities, she served as Vice-President for Research and Community Service of Qatar University from 2000 to 2003 and prior to her heading the Department of Foundations of Education at the Faculty of Education at Qatar University in the year 1992 until 1995, Professor Al-Misnad was a member of the Department of Foundations of Education at the Faculty of Education at Qatar University first as a Teaching Assistant, then as an Associate Professor.
Educational background:
•Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) from Dalhousie University, Canada (2013) Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Durham University (2008);
•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Thesis title: “The Development of Modern Education in the Gulf States with Special Reference to Women Education”, University of Durham, U.K. (1984);
•Special Diploma in Education (with distinction), Faculty of Education, Qatar University (1978);
•Bachelor of Arts and Education (Geography/Education) (with distinction), Faculty of Education, Qatar University (1978).
Other main activities in the field relevant to the mandate of the treaty body concerned:
Professor Al-Misnad served as a member of several Committees at the Ministry of Education for the Development of Secondary Education in which she has always utilized her strong leadership skills to defy old models of thought and to reinvigorate the education system with a progressive and balanced approach as she is a strong believer that education is the forming block of civilization and that planting values of unity and inclusivity from a young age is the best grassroots approach to eradicate any forms of discrimination.
As a member of the Committee of the Scientific School Project, Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar, Professor Al-Misnad conducted reforms to the National Curriculum, with the aim of enshrining principles of tolerance, respect for diversity and elimination of discrimination. Professor Al-Misnad developed and secured policies that would ensure the protection of these lofty notions and henceforth enabling individuals to live together in a peaceful, healthy and productive environment.
List of most recent publications in the field:
•“Arab Woman and Education”, a chapter in a book entitled “Education and Development of the Society”, 1989 (single author);
• “Changes in the Position of the Qatari Woman: Learning and Education”, Journal of Documentation and Humanities Research Center, 1991 (single author);
•“The Social and Professional Position of the Qatari Primary School Women Teacher”, Proceeding of the Seminar on Better Education for Primary School Pupils in the GCC Countries, Vol. (2) 1992;
•Factors Influencing the Efficiency of the Faculties, University of Qatar”, Journal of the Center of Educational Research, University of Qatar, Vol. (215), 1998 (co-author);
•“Role of the University of Qatar in the Development of Students Modernization Attitudes and its Relation to Some Variables”, Vol. (13), January 1998 (single author);
•“International Trends in the Preparation and Training of Teacher in the Light of the Changing Role of Teachers”, Working Paper, Presented to the Meeting of Deans of Faculties of Education and Officials in charge of Teaching in the Arab Countries, 27–30 September 1998 (co-author).