Country Conditions Expert Witness

I serve as an expert witness and consultant on country conditions in U.S. immigration proceedings, including asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture cases. My work draws on my academic research on political violence, armed conflict, governance, and state and non-state coercion, as well as my experience working on national security and foreign policy issues for the U.S. government and previous work for the United Nations.

I can provide independent analysis, including declarations or testimony, of country conditions relevant to an individual case, including political or religious persecution, armed conflict and political violence, treatment of ethnic or other social groups, threats from state or non-state actors, government capacity or willingness to provide protection, internal relocation, local political and social networks, and the risk an individual may face upon return.

Areas of Expertise

I have conducted significant academic, policy, or applied research concerning Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), China, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

In addition, my research and professional work have also involved substantial engagement with political, security, governance, or humanitarian conditions in other countries, including Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen.

Because the relevant issues differ across cases, I evaluate potential engagements individually. Attorneys seeking a country conditions expert for a country or issue not specifically listed above are welcome to get in touch. I will take on a matter only where I believe I can provide grounded and independent expert analysis.

Inquiries

Attorneys or other interested parties are welcome to contact me at expert@renardsexton.com