{"id":2533,"date":"2026-11-12T10:34:17","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refugee-committee.org\/?page_id=2533"},"modified":"2026-11-12T10:51:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:51:25","slug":"meet-the-team-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/refugee-committee.org\/fr\/meet-the-team-2\/","title":{"rendered":"MEET THE TEAM"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At the Umbrella Refugee Committee we believe our greatest strength lies in our people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each member of our team brings their own set of skills, passions and experiences to empower refugees in Belgium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Administrative Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ahmad Wali Ahmad Yar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President of the Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designation:<\/strong> President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Afghan Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Languages<\/strong>: English, Persian, Pashtu, Kazakh, Russian, Urdu and broken French<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Contact<\/strong>: wali@refugee-committee.org<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Rasha Zeina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fundraising Officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Rasha Zeina, the former Secretary General of the URC, now serves as the organization\u2019s Fundraising Officer. She holds a master\u2019s degree in Media and Journalism in Europe, with her thesis focusing on The Role of Social Media in Human Trafficking , Syrian crisies 2015)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Designation:<\/strong> Fundraising Officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Women Refugee Committee (WRC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Languages<\/strong>: English, Arabic, good level of French, and broken Dutch<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Godefroid Manirambona<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Internal Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      With many years\u2019 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Designation:<\/strong> Internal Affairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Burundian Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Languages<\/strong>: French English and Kirundi<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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        Zaineb Ghaleb Msafer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Events and training organiser and president of the Iraqi refugee committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Designation:<\/strong> Events and training organiser and president of the Iraqi refugee committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Iraqi Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Languages<\/strong>: Arab, French, English<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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          Committee Members<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          Axel Boutahar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Administrator of the RRC and contact for the \u201cLGBTQIA+ Housing\u201d project<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Axel also contributes to international advocacy through La\u00efque Sans Fronti\u00e8res, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Designation:<\/strong> Administrator of the RRC and contact for the \u201cLGBTQIA+ Housing\u201d project<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Rainbow Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Languages<\/strong>: Fran\u00e7ais, Anglais, Arabe, H\u00e9breu<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Ansam Rasmi Sabih<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Designation:<\/strong> Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Women Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Iraqi Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Languages<\/strong>: Arabic, English and Flemish<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Support Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              ( Past and Present )<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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              Maria Basulto D\u00edez<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Volunteer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              Maria is passionate about migrant and refugee rights, with experience spanning EU-level work and humanitarian field engagement. She has worked at the EU offices of the UN Refugee Agency and Human Rights Watch, contributing to political communications efforts supporting advocacy on migration, asylum, and broader human rights issues.

              She joined the URC in April 2024 and has been involved in organising events, communications, establishing partnerships, and project management, including outreach and frontline work through our street patrols assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

              Her background combines institutional experience with frontline and community-based work, including emergency response at the 112 Emergency Service of Catalonia and field-based volunteering in Zambia, as well as experience in public policy through her time at the Municipal Institute of Education of Barcelona.

              Maria holds degrees in Political Science and Global Studies from Pompeu Fabra University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Designation:<\/strong> Coordination Team intern<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Languages<\/strong>: English (C1), French (C1), Spanish (Native), Catalan (Native), Arabic (A2).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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                Monika-Daniela Cosma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Consultant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Designation:<\/strong> Consultant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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                  Languages<\/strong>: English, Romanian, Hungarian<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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                  Irene Samandar Eweis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Volunteer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  Irene is a dedicated advocate for human rights and migration, currently pursuing a Master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Designation:<\/strong> Volunteer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Languages<\/strong>: English, Arabic and Spanish<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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                    Marta Pujols Riu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Intern<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    Marta is a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice, with a strong background in project coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    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\u2019s newsletter, ensuring that updates, achievements, and opportunities reach the broader community effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Designation:<\/strong> Intern<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Committees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    • Umbrella Refugee Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Languages<\/strong>: English, Spanish, Catalan and broken French<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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                      Volunteers\u2019 Voices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Volunteers are at the heart of Umbrella Refugee Committee\u2019s work. They contribute their time, skills and experiences to support URC\u2019s activities, strengthen its communities and bring its mission to life. Each volunteer has a unique story and a different reason for becoming involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Their experiences reflect the importance of solidarity, mutual support and the connections built through volunteering. Through their voices, we celebrate the people behind URC\u2019s work and highlight how their contributions help make the organisation a welcoming, community-driven space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      Denys Timchenko<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      URC Volunteer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Denys shares his journey with URC, his volunteering experience and the meaningful connections he has built along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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