TEAM
Sharof Azizov
Geneva, Switzerland
Founder and Executive Director of Justice pour Tous Internationale, Sharof Azizov is a distinguished International Human Rights Litigation Consultant with over 25 years of extensive experience in various rule of law and human rights capacities, including a decade spent at the UN OHCHR. He holds an LLM in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex and possesses a deep and nuanced understanding of international litigation, particularly concerning human rights and humanitarian issues related to business and human rights. Mr. Azizov has substantial field experience across a wide range of countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, UK, USA, France, Belgium, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Tunisia, and Sierra Leone, where he has provided strategic advice and counsel to victims of political persecution, corruption, and excessive regulatory compliance. His expertise also encompasses a strong grasp of International Humanitarian Law and a thorough familiarity with UN and regional mechanisms dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Highly skilled in engaging with United Nations special procedures mandate holders, including the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Mr. Azizov has significant experience working with UN treaty bodies and special rapporteurs. His professional activities include meticulous human rights monitoring and reporting on conditions such as torture and other ill-treatments in prisons, as well as the protection of a wide array of vulnerable groups including entrepreneurs, human rights defenders, bloggers, whistleblowers, journalists, and minorities. Mr. Azizov is adept at conducting human rights due diligence, supervising elections, and overseeing court hearings. He excels in interviewing victims and collecting pertinent documentation from diverse sources, such as NGOs, ombudsman offices, and judicial and law enforcement agencies, ensuring thorough follow-up on case progress and sustaining collaborative relationships with governmental officials, diplomats, and human rights NGOs worldwide. Additionally, he provides victims of human rights violations with valuable guidance on international litigation matters, ensuring compliance with human rights laws and regulations relevant to their specific cases. Mr. Azizov offers comprehensive support in identifying and addressing human rights violations experienced by victims, assists in drafting and submitting human rights complaints to the appropriate United Nations special procedures mandate holders and relevant United Nations treaty bodies upon request, and devises effective international litigation strategies to safeguard their rights and freedoms.
Leticia Maria Marques Magalhaes
Geneva, Switzerland
Leticia Maria Marques Magalhaes is the founder and current President of the Board of Justice pour Tous Internationale. A Swiss national with a distinguished background in medicine, Ms. Magalhaes brings a deeply empathetic perspective to her role, emphasizing the crucial relationship between health and human dignity. This understanding significantly enriches the Association's mission, particularly in its support for vulnerable groups such as entrepreneurs, human rights defenders, political activists, bloggers, and journalists, who often confront serious risks.
Ms. Magalhaes provides what could be described as spiritual leadership to Justice pour Tous Internationale, nurturing the organization's core values and vision. Her efforts extend beyond mere administration, as she actively fosters the development of civil societies and democratic institutions. Her compassionate guidance ensures that the Association not only assists with immediate human rights concerns, such as preparing and submitting complaints to United Nations protection mechanisms, but also contributes to long-term societal and democratic enhancements.
Douwe Korff
Cambridge, UK
Member of the Board of Justice pour Tous Internationale, Douwe Korff, a distinguished Dutch comparative and international lawyer, specializes in human rights and digital rights/data protection. As an emeritus professor of international law at London Metropolitan University and a visiting professor at the universities of Zagreb and Rijeka in Croatia, he brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to his roles. Mr. Korff has been instrumental in shaping human rights jurisprudence through his extensive work with Amnesty International, where he served as Head of the European Region of the Research Department, and through his landmark cases at the European Court of Human Rights, including the notable McCann v. the UK case. His profound impact on the field is further evidenced by his authorship of the Council of Europe Human Rights Handbook on Article 2 ECHR and his issue papers on human rights in the digital environment. Mr. Korff's extensive international litigation experience has seen him successfully represent clients in high-stakes human rights cases, providing strategic counsel and ensuring their rights are vigorously defended.
In addition to his academic roles, Mr. Korff has significantly contributed to the advancement of data protection standards globally. He has led critical studies and training projects for various international organizations, including the EU, the Council of Europe, and the UN. His collaboration with civil society and digital rights groups, such as Privacy International and European Digital Rights (EDRi), highlights his commitment to addressing the risks posed by emerging technologies like "Big Data," data mining, and Artificial Intelligence. Mr. Korff's client-oriented approach ensures that individuals and organizations receive tailored advice and robust representation in matters concerning digital rights and data protection. His extensive experience and dedication make him a pivotal figure in the ongoing efforts to protect human rights in an increasingly digital world. More info: http://korff.co.uk/Douwe/