Refugee Advisory Board Germany

The Refugee Advisory Board for Germany has been established to ensure that international decision-making is informed by the perspective and expertise of forcibly displaced persons who provide critical feedback on international refugee issues and programmes. As the first national Board of this kind in Europe, its members work together to contribute their insights to international dialogues and to participate in a meaningful way in international policymaking.

To this end, the advisers join the German delegation at global meetings on refugee issues such as the UNHCR ExCom meetings, the Global Refugee Forum and high-level official meetings. GER-RAB also aims to provide a space for national refugee communities and refugee-led organisations to form a collaborative network to work collectively on their interests.

The desired outcome of this project is more representation of refugees in Germany in international processes and policies of forced displacement and refugee protection, as well as advising governmental and non-governmental actors on refugee policy measures, especially at the international level.

Nyima Jadama

Nyima Jadama is a Gambian TV presenter and advocate with over ten years of experience in journalism, media competence and community empowerment. Driven by her commitment to empowering marginalised communities - especially women - Nyima hosts "Nyima's Bantaba" and the "Unfiltered Podcast," where she highlights migration, integration and women's empowerment. She uses her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and fosters social change. She also founded the Bantaba Academy, which offers media literacy training for migrants and refugees in Berlin. Nyima also works as a language and cultural mediator, supporting refugees in the region.

Jamil Alyou

Jamil Alyou is a 30-year-old social worker whi has lived in Germany since 2015, and currently works as a Project Manager focusing on young refugees and migrants. As a member of the Integration Council in Dortmund and through his work at Train of Hope Dortmund e. V., he has gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by these communities. Fluent in German, Arabic, and English, Jamil works as a cultural mediator, promoting understanding between refugees and policymakers. He advocates for inclusive political participation and better living conditions for refugees. Through his involvement with GER-RAB, he seeks to amplify refugee voices in policy discussions and foster positive change through collaboration.

Majdi Laktinah

Majdi Laktinah is a migration and health expert from Syria who moved to Germany in 2012. He holds a Master’s degree in Global Health and focuses on mental health, sexual health, and promoting equity in healthcare systems, particularly for migrants and refugees. With extensive experience in managing emergency response projects, and having worked on projects, such as refugee shelters, mental health support, and COVID-19 facilities, he currently works as the Client and Community Engagement Manager at the International Rescue Committee Germany and has represented the German Refugee Advisory Board at the UNHCR’s 75th ExCom Plenary Session. Majdi advocates for inclusive policies and dialogue between civil society and policymakers to increase political participation and reflect the diversity of German society.

Agnes Cynthia Amoding

Amoding Agnes Cynthia is a legal expert from Uganda specialising in social justice advocacy, refugee law, and international law. With a strong background in grassroots legal practice, she has worked with social justice and refugee organizations in Uganda and served as a Next Generation Fellow for the UN's Our Common Agenda Initiative. She has also been involved as a Young Justice Leader at NYU, advocating for people-centered justice. Passionate about social justice, Cynthia currently supports refugees and asylum seekers in Germany by helping them navigate their rights and integrate into society. As a member of GER-RAB she aims to influence refugee policy and deepen her understanding of integration strategies through collaboration with fellow members and stakeholders.

Shaden Sabouni

Shaden Sabouni is a PhD researcher at the University of Fulda, focusing on the impact of social changes on refugee family dynamics, influenced by her own experiences as a refugee since arriving in Germany in 2017. With a strong commitment to her field, she pursued higher education at 40, earning a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication and European Studies to challenge stereotypes about refugees. She has worked with various organizations to support refugee integration and is currently a freelance cultural trainer for GIZ and a fellow at bicc. Her motivation to join the GER-RAB stems from her diverse experiences as a refugee, mother, researcher, and activist, and she believes that integrating these perspectives into policymaking can enhance safety and harmony for both host and refugee communities. Shaden envisions a more inclusive future for all residents of Germany and Europe, emphasising the importance of diversity and acceptance in creating a peaceful world.

Zohra Wandaa

Zohra Wandaa has nearly a decade of experience in journalism, humanitarian work, and social activism, focusing on human rights and refugee integration. She holds degrees in pharmacy and medical technology, along with advanced studies in project management and educationgiving her a multidisciplinary perspective. Her career includes significant roles with the United Nations and the International Rescue Committee, where she coordinated efforts for internally displaced people in Afghanistan. Zohra has also led campaigns against sexual street harassment and served as a youth representative in the Afghan Youth Parliament. She currently works as a psychosocial counselor at Albatros gGmbH , where she supports Afghan and Iranian refugees.