Our team

Stephen is an experienced international lawyer and humanitarian protection specialist who has been leading the Centre since 2017. His expertise includes supporting the strategic application of IHL within humanitarian operations. He has served as Senior Legal Associate at Harvard University and as Legal Officer for the UN. He has produced publications on fact-finding, investigations and standards of proof. 

Ana is a humanitarian advocacy professional. She worked several years for Médecins Sans Frontières, among others as Advocacy Manager and Humanitarian Evaluations Coordinator. Born in Caracas and based in Stockholm, she holds a Master's Degree in Humanitarian Action from Uppsala University and is a former Erasmus Mundus grantee.

Anna has worked for the IHL Centre since 2019 and is located at our Head Office in Stockholm. Her background is in advocacy, having worked with campaign management and project management for Diakonia's Sweden Program. She holds a Degree in Gender Studies from Stockholm University. 

Alice is an international lawyer who has been working on the law of armed conflict for over ten years; she has particular expertise in the inclusive application of IHL. Previous roles include serving as a senior researcher at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, before joining the OHCHR as a human rights adviser on COVID response and recovery.

Myra is a member of the Beirut Bar Association and has experience working with international organisations such as the UN, the ICRC and currently Diakonia. She previously managed programs related to access to justice and the rule of law. She is specialised in international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law.

Yousef holds a Master of Laws in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, a Master of Arts in Literature, and a diploma in Educational Sciences. He has supported human rights organizations on international law. He has led teams of legal experts working on niche legal issues, and in humanitarian engagement with armed non-State groups in the MENA region.

Matias has a passion for international humanitarian law, human rights, and international criminal justice. Matias joined Diakonia IHL Centre in 2019 and is committed to promoting justice and humanitarianism in conflict and post-conflict societies. Matias has previously worked for the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and teaches criminal law at the University of Tasmania.

Soha is holder of a Master of Business Administration with extensive experience in developing projects in governmental, international non-governmental, and UN agencies. She believes that with the right blend of project cycle management skills and passion for humanitarian causes, she can make a difference to anchor sustainable peace, dignity and hope in communities.

Jean de Dieu holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in International Law from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom, and a Master's Degree in International Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Prior to joining the Regional IHL Center, he served in various legal advisory roles, among others at the United Nations in Haiti and at the Supreme Court of Rwanda.

Aminata holds a Master’s Degree in Peacekeeping, a Master’s Degree in Business Management and a Diploma in Corporate Law. Her expertise is related, among others, to international humanitarian law, child protection and sexual violence related to armed conflicts. In the past, she has worked with the civil society in Mali as well as for Non-Governmental Organisations.

Former recipient of a Doctoral Grant at the Hague Academy of International Law, Kalilou Sidibé holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Public Law. Previously, he has lectured at the Law and Political Science University in Bamako, Mali.