Alison Parker

Alison Parker has a strong background in human rights and advocacy. Alison began their career in 1993 as a Liaison Officer at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. From 1994 to 1996, they worked as a Programmes Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service. In 2000, they joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as an Associate in Litigation before transitioning to human rights work. Alison has held several positions at Human Rights Watch, starting in 2001 as a Fellow, Senior Researcher, and Acting Director. Alison then became the Director of the US Program in 2010 and later served as the Managing Director from 2018 to 2023. In addition, Alison was the Head of the US Democracy Initiative from April 2022 to January 2023. Alison is currently the Deputy Director of the US Program at Human Rights Watch.

Alison Parker completed their education with a Bachelor's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of California, Berkeley in 1993. Alison then pursued a Certificate in Refugee Studies from the University of Oxford's Refugee Studies Centre in 1992. Continuing their education, Alison earned a Master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia | SIPA in 1998 and subsequently obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Columbia Law School in 2001.