Sarra Zidi is a dedicated political science master’s student with a strong focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Her research interests span a broad spectrum, encompassing human rights challenges in Tunisia, a critical analysis of Egypt’s political system, the intricate dynamics of the EU’s migration policies, and the pressing issue of human rights abuses in Libya. Zidi’s academic pursuits are driven by a commitment to understanding and addressing complex regional issues.
Sarra is a data and research practitioner who’s passionate about data-driven social impact and human rights advocacy. Sarra contributes to that with the ethical use of data technologies and research skills for social justice & humanitarian development, particularly in forced migration and war/conflict contexts. She has knowledge and experience in the MENA & West Africa regions with non-profit, non-governmental, and international organizations. Currently, she’s a Tech & Society fellow with Mozilla Foundation, contributing to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) through data digitalization and research consultancies, with a focus on Sub-Saharan migrants and refugees’ rights in Tunisia.
Mostafa is an Egyptian multidisciplinary journalist and human rights defender interested in freedom of expression and freedom of the press and media. A former fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, a member of PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile program, and a recipient of the William Southam Journalism Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He spent nearly four years in political prison in Egypt due to his journalistic and human rights work and was forced to live in exile. He has contributed hundreds of articles, reports, and investigations to several Arab, regional, and international periodicals and journalistic and human rights institutions.
Ishraq is a PhD researcher in Criminal Sciences at the Faculty of Law and Political Science in Tunisia, specializing in issues related to vulnerability and people in precarious situations. She has been working for years with non-governmental organizations in public policy analysis and advocacy and is a trainer in human rights and democracy.
Ghias Aljundi is an experienced media development consultant, researcher, and human rights advocate with over twenty years of experience working on freedom of expression, press, and assembly issues in the MENA region with a special interest in Tunisia. Ghias worked on several research projects focused on freedom of expression in the MENA region. Ghias worked for major international human rights and freedom of expression organizations such as Amnesty International, PEN International, IFEX, Article 19, and The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
Elssy is a social science graduate with nearly a decade of experience in the humanitarian field. Passionate about activism and intersectionality, she has organized peaceful gatherings since a young age, focusing on the right to peaceful assembly. With strong organizational skills, Elssy creates inclusive events that uplift marginalized voices. Her work as a social and caseworker has given her extensive experience with diverse communities across ethnic, gender, and racial backgrounds. Currently, as an advocacy officer for an anti-racist organization in Lebanon, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces for peaceful assembly and advancing social justice.
Elham Barjes, a legal expert and researcher in public law and policies, is focused on political practices and the development of political mechanisms and democratic tools. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Law from the Lebanese University. She has worked in specialized legal journalism with several local media organizations. She is a feminist activist and advocate for women’s rights and marginalized groups.
