About
safiasouthey@gmail.com
1 (347) 331-8251
New York, NY
I am a human rights advocate, legal researcher, and transitional justice practitioner specializing in accountability, reparations, sanctions, and the long-term impacts of conflict on communities and the environment. My work spans field research, policy design, litigation support, and international advocacy.
My career began in Jordan, where I worked with UNRWA on education and human rights programming for Palestine refugees in Amman and Zarqa, an experience that shaped my commitment to community-centered justice. I later completed a Dual BA between Columbia University and Sciences Po, working with organizations including the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility, UNHCR, the U.S. State Department, and PILPG on human rights violations, environmental governance, and transitional justice, with research, consultancies, and advocacy taking me to over 100 countries.
After graduating from Columbia with highest honors, I earned an MSc in Conflict Studies from the London School of Economics and began my legal training at Columbia Law School. Across law school I have worked with Amnesty International in Beirut, the International Center for Transitional Justice, the Center for Justice and Accountability, the Quincy Institute, and multiple Columbia faculty members on issues spanning ICL, IHL, sanctions, and reparations.
I am currently completing an LL.M. in International Criminal Law at the University of Amsterdam alongside my final year at Columbia Law School. My academic work has been published in the International Journal of Transitional Justice, Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Opinio Juris, Lawfare, ASIL Insights, and Responsible Statecraft, among others.
