Karin Koch

Karin Koch: Trailblazing Lawyer and Advocate for International Refugee Rights

Early Life and Education

Karin Koch, born in 1966 in Hamburg, Germany, has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

She completed her legal studies at the University of Hamburg and later obtained a Master of Laws degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Her passion for international human rights law ignited during her time in Berkeley, where she volunteered at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant.

Career in Refugee Law

Koch's career in refugee law began in 1993 when she joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva.

She spent the next decade working on complex refugee issues in various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, and Afghanistan.

In 2003, Koch became the UNHCR's Regional Representative for Central Europe, based in Budapest, Hungary.

UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner

In 2008, Koch was appointed Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR, a position she held for eight years.

In this role, she led the organization's global efforts to protect refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless people.

Under her leadership, UNHCR launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Global Action Plan to End Statelessness and the campaign to #IBelong, aimed at ending childhood statelessness.

Advocate for Refugee Rights

Throughout her career, Koch has been a vocal advocate for refugee rights.

She has testified before the United Nations Security Council and has spoken at countless international conferences and events.

Her work has contributed significantly to shaping international refugee law and policy.

Awards and Recognition

Koch's dedication to refugee rights has been widely recognized.

She has received numerous awards, including the German Federal Cross of Merit and the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

In 2023, she was appointed Special Envoy for the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar.

Conclusion

Karin Koch is a true champion of refugee rights.

Her tireless efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of millions of displaced people worldwide.

Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of human rights advocates.