Mudar

Mudar Shakra

A distinguished legal professional and academic with over 15 years of expertise, Senior Advocate Mudar combines an interdisciplinary approach to law, psychology, mental health, and migration studies. His career is rooted in addressing complex global challenges, with a focus on refugee rights, integration policies, family law, and humanitarian action.

Academic and Research Excellence

Currently a PhD candidate and researcher at Uppsala University, Advocate Mudar made substantial contributions to two high-impact EU-funded research projects spanning seven disciplines. His Dissertation explores parenting in migrant contexts, reflecting commitment to understanding the intersection of legal, psychological, and cultural dimensions in humanitarian settings.

The research has yielded numerous academic publications, including influential reports on Sweden’s refugee protection regime and integration policies. Advocate Mudar is an accomplished speaker, presenting findings at prestigious conferences, including the "Migration as a Global Challenge" Conference at the University of Göttingen and the Nordic Research Network for Faith and Health Conference in Norway.

Moreover, he is actively engaged in teaching and mentoring through the EU Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action, a multidisciplinary initiative across eight European countries. His role includes supervising research projects, developing curricula, and fostering critical thinking among postgraduate students.

Legal Expertise and Professional Achievements

His legal journey began as a family lawyer in Damascus, where he advised and represented clients on matters related to marriage, divorce, guardianship, and custody. This role cultivated his expertise in providing tailored legal solutions and navigating complex family law disputes.

At the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), he served as a Refugee Status Determination Senior Officer, conducting interviews, offering legal analyses, and advocating for asylum-seekers and refugees. His work extended to monitoring detention cases and advising on integration strategies for displaced populations.

As a Program Officer and legal consultant, he has provided strategic guidance on migration, asylum, and integration policies across Europe. Having delivered lectures on health and psychological challenges, including PTSD and depression among migrant communities, while assisting refugees in establishing businesses and integrating into local economies.

Skills and Competencies

Research and Analysis: Proficient in designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, and comparative legal studies. Skilled in statistical tools such as SPSS and R.
Teaching and Mentorship: Experienced in supervising postgraduate research, delivering lectures, and developing academic materials in international law and psychology.
Legal Counseling and Advocacy: Adept in family law, refugee rights, and integration policies, providing tailored legal advice and advocacy for diverse clients.
Project Leadership: Skilled in coordinating multi-country, interdisciplinary research teams, and implementing strategic initiatives for EU-funded projects.
Multilingual Communication: Fluent in Arabic, English, and Swedish.

Publications and Contributions

Advocate Mudar's extensive body of work includes co-authored academic reports and peer-reviewed articles on migration governance, posttraumatic stress disorder in refugees, and the intersection of trauma and self-efficacy. Notable publications include:

"Refugee Protection Regime: Sweden Country Report" (2020)
"Posttraumatic Stress Among Syrian Refugees: Trauma Exposure and Emotional Suppression" (2018)

Advocate Mudar insights have shaped policy discussions at international conferences and within academic circles, earning recognition for their nuanced understanding of refugee experiences.

Community Impact and Vision

Beyond academia and law, Advocate Mudar made significant contributions as a health communicator, raising awareness about mental health within refugee communities and fostering trust between vulnerable populations and healthcare providers. His interdisciplinary approach and passion for solving real-world problems underpin their vision of creating sustainable, equitable solutions in law and humanitarian action.

As a senior Advocate his unique blend of academic rigor, legal expertise, and humanitarian commitment makes him an invaluable leader and advocate for justice and social change.