At the Umbrella Refugee Committee we believe our greatest strength lies in our people.
Each member of our team brings their own set of skills, passions and experiences to empower refugees in Belgium.
Administrative Team
Ahmad Wali Ahmad Yar
Wali is the president of the Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC). In addition to his role at the URC, he is a postdoctoral researcher on migration at the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the secretary-general of the Network of Afghan Diaspora Organisations in Europe (NADOE).
His diverse background and extensive experience in research, academia, and humanitarian work have established him as a compassionate and knowledgeable professional whose contributions to international migration and commitment to social activism positively impact individuals and communities empowered by migration.
Designation: President
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Afghan Refugee Committee
Languages: English, Persian, Pashtu, Kazakh, Russian, Urdu and broken French
Contact: wali@refugee-committe.org
Rasha Zeina
Rasha Zeina, the former Secretary General of the URC, now serves as the organization’s Fundraising Officer. She holds a master’s degree in Media and Journalism in Europe, with her thesis focusing on The Role of Social Media in Human Trafficking , Syrian crisies 2015).
Rasha has been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts through her volunteer work with the URC, Syrian Refugee Committee (SRC), and Women Refugee Committee (WRC). Beyond these roles, she contributes to energy training programs aimed at fostering sustainability and building a better future for the planet.
Since attending the inaugural meeting of the URC in 2019, Rasha has remained committed to improving conditions for newcomers. She values collaboration and believes in making small, meaningful changes to build stronger communities.
Designation: Fundraising Officer
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Women Refugee Committee (WRC)
Languages: English, Arabic, good level of French, and broken Dutch
Godefroid Manirambona
Godefroid is a member of the Umbrella Refugee Committee Board of Directors in Belgium, in charge of Internal Affairs. Godefroid Manirambona has also been a founding member of Burundian Refugee Voice.
With many years’ experience as a lawyer and human rights defender, Godefroid is heavily involved as a volunteer with NGOs dealing with refugee issues in Belgium, working as a workshop facilitator. As such, his contribution is of vital importance in raising awareness among refugees of the need to know and exercise their rights, and to perform their duties faithfully
Designation: Internal Affairs
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Burundian Refugee Committee
Languages: French English and Kirundi
Zaineb Ghaleb Msafer
Zaineb is an Iraqi journalist who has been a Belgian citizen for several years. She arrived in Belgium in 2006 with her children. In Iraq, she worked as a journalist, translator, and coordinator for foreign press, including Belgian, French, and Swiss outlets, both before and after the Iraq war, until the threats against journalists and women became too dangerous. In Belgium, Zaineb was warmly welcomed, both by the authorities handling her asylum application and by the community. She and her children quickly found work and were able to begin integrating. According to Zaineb, mastering the language of the host country is the key element for successful integration.
Designation: Events and training organiser and president of the Iraqi refugee committee.
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Iraqi Refugee Committee
Languages: Arab, French, English
Marina Dubrovska
Designation: Coordinator of Mobile Teams of volunteers in Ukrainian voices. Board member of Umbrella and Women Refugee Committes
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Ukrainian Refugee Committee
- Women Refugee Committee
Languages: Ukrainian, English and French
Committee Members
Axel B
Axel B is a dedicated human rights activist specializing in supporting LGBTQ+ refugees and advocating for their rights in Belgium. With a background in electrical engineering and immigration law, he leads initiatives as Secretary-General of the Umbrella Refugee Committee and Co-Chair of the Rainbow Refugee Committee.
Axel also contributes to international advocacy through Laïque Sans Frontières, promoting secularism and tolerance. Recognized for his expertise in legal and intercultural matters, he is instrumental in fostering inclusive policies and raising awareness of refugee diversity within Belgian society.
Designation: Administrator of the RRC and contact for the “LGBTQIA+ Housing” project
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Rainbow Refugee Committee
Languages: Français, Anglais, Arabe, Hébreu
Mouna Alhalbi
Mouna is an active member of the Syrian Refugee Committee and the Umbrella. She is also part of the Shelter Team and the Refugees’ Mobile team.
Diploma in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. With a deep commitment to advocacy and activism, she has dedicated her efforts to promoting human rights and empowering vulnerable communities.
Her expertise makes her a vital contributor to the collective mission of creating safe, inclusive spaces for refugees and advancing their integration and well-being.
Designation: Shelter and Mobile team member
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Syrian Refugee Committee
Languages: English, Arabic and broken French
Santa Mikail Essa
Santa M. Essa is an active member of the Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC), where she contributes to the Women’s Refugee Committee, the Iraqi Refugee Committee, and serves as a member of both the Shelters Team and the Refugee Mobilization Team.
Currently, Santa works as a Cultural Mediator at the Triomphe Shelter, operated by the Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee. She brings a wealth of experience to this role, grounded in her academic background—a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Baghdad University—and her professional history as a journalist in Baghdad, Iraq.
Santa is also a passionate activist for human rights and minority advocacy, dedicating her efforts to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering inclusive support for displaced communities.
Designation: Member
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Women Refugee Committee
- Iraqi Refugee Committee
Languages: Asriyan (mother language), Arabic, English and French
Ansam Rasmi Sabih
Ansam Rasmi Sabih is a pharmacist from Iraq and a proud mother of two. She is a dedicated and passionate advocate with extensive experience in volunteer work and community service. Over the years, Ansam has actively contributed to numerous charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting refugees, newcomers, and fostering cultural integration.
Ansam is one of the founders of the UR Cultural Center, where she has been organizing activities for the Iraqi and women committees. She has also collaborated with various nonprofit organizations, including Bloom Women and the MISC Community Center, to provide essential resources, support underserved communities, and raise awareness about the importance of helping refugees and newcomers integrate and thrive as active members of society.
Known for her excellent communication and leadership skills, Ansam excels in building strong relationships, mobilizing resources, and driving impactful results. She is deeply committed to making a difference and inspiring others to take action for the greater good.
Designation: Member
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Women Refugee Committee
- Iraqi Refugee Committee
Languages: Arabic, English and Flemish
Ranim Alhoushi
Ranim Alhoushi is an Support and Communication Intern at both the Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC) and the Women Refugee Committee (WRC). She has extensive experience in media and advocacy, having worked as a journalist and reporter in the Middle East and Europe. Ranim also has prior practical experience in managing social media for various organizations. In addition, she has contributed to supporting human rights and social causes
Designation: Administrative and Communication Intern
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Women Refugee Committee
Languages: Arabic, English, French
Support Team
Maria Basulto Díez
Having studied Political Science and Global Studies at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Maria gained experience in the public sector and the social and humanitarian field through volunteering in Zambia, working at the 112 Emergency Service, and interning at the Council of Barcelona.
As a genuine music lover, Maria also holds a Professional Piano Degree from the Conservatory of Barcelona and is currently furthering her studies by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy at ESMUC, the Catalan Music University.
Designation: Coordination Team intern
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
Languages: English, French, Spanish and Catalan
Monika-Daniela Cosma
Monika is a Consultant at the Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC). In addition to her role at the URC, Monika is an EU Project Manager & Proposal Writer at ReadLab Brussels. She holds an MSc in International Development from Wageningen University & Research (NL) as well as a BA in International Relations and European Studies, from Babes-Bolyai University (RO).
She has gained internship experience in foreign affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, EU-funded project experience at the Facility for the Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement-II in Georgia, and international economic cooperation experience at the European Commission. Previously, she worked on social inclusion and education projects in Romania where she gained project management experience.
Designation: Consultant
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
Languages: English, Romanian, Hungarian
Irene Samandar Eweis
Irene is a dedicated advocate for human rights and migration, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science. Throughout her academic journey, Irene has developed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding global migration and the importance of protecting human rights.
As a volunteer at the URC, Irene is eager to contribute her knowledge and skills to help refugees and displaced individuals navigate their challenges. She enjoys working alongside like-minded individuals who share a vision of a more just and compassionate world.
Designation: Volunteer
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
Languages: English, Arabic and Spanish
Marta Pujols Riu
Marta is a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice, with a strong background in project coordinator.
In addition to her work in volunteer coordination and communications, Marta is deeply involved in diverse projects within the organization, with the aim to promote inclusion and equality. She also takes on the responsibility of preparing and managing the Committee’s newsletter, ensuring that updates, achievements, and opportunities reach the broader community effectively.
Designation: Intern
Committees:
- Umbrella Refugee Committee
- Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee
Languages: English, Spanish, Catalan and broken French
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English