Human Rights Advocate and Legal Advisor with 20+ Years

RESUME

ANEEQA M. ANTHONY

Gainesville, VA ***** +1-571-***-****

***********@*****.*** *************@*****.*** www.thevoicesociety.org

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

A dedicated and accomplished Legal Advisor, Human Rights Advocate, and Educationist with over 20 years of extensive experience in litigation, legal advocacy, and international human rights work. Proven expertise in defending victims of blasphemy laws, forced conversion, gender-based violence, and religious persecution. A strategic leader skilled in advocacy, lobbying, public speaking, and building cross-sectoral partnerships to advance justice, human rights, and social development in Pakistan and on the global stage.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chief Executive The Voice Society 2009 – Present

Lead the organization's strategic direction and operations, focusing on legal aid, human rights advocacy, and community empowerment in Pakistan.

Provide and oversee comprehensive legal aid to persecuted Christians and other vulnerable minorities.

Manage multiple projects, including Women's Rights & Empowerment, Child Rights & Juvenile Justice, and Orphan Prevention & Education Support.

Lead advocacy efforts and collaborate with international human rights organizations to highlight human rights violations.

Serve as a key representative and spokesperson on issues of religious freedom and human rights before national and international bodies.

Legal Advisor & Program Officer Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance & Settlement (CLAAS) Oct 2004 – Aug 2008

Advance the organization's mission through legal practice, program management, and educational leadership.

Practiced law in the Lahore High Court and lower courts, specializing in criminal and human rights cases.

Conducted fact-finding missions, drafted reports, and released public statements on human rights abuses.

Educator Franciscan Girls High School & Jinnah Islamia Degree College Oct 2000 – 2003

Taught English and related subjects, fostering academic development and critical thinking skills.

INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION

A seasoned delegate and speaker at international forums, with a proven track record of engaging with high-level officials and multilateral organizations.

2017: Presented on the situation of Christians and human rights in Pakistan at a Dutch Parliamentarian conference.

2016: Personally invited to meet with His Holiness Pope Francis to report on the persecution of Christians and bonded laborers in Pakistan.

2004-2009:

Participated in a one-year human rights training program with the International Society for Human Rights in Germany.

Served as a panelist on human rights and blasphemy laws at the Geneva Convention.

Attended the World Council of Churches' "Decade to Overcome Violence" meeting in Geneva and related "Living Letters" meetings in the USA.

Engaged with members of the European Union, the EU Human Rights Desk, and Dutch Parliamentarians in Brussels and the Netherlands.

Advocated on human rights issues with government ministries and officials in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland.

Participated in international conferences hosted by Advocates Asia in Korea, Singapore, and India, and the 8th Annual Human Rights Conference by the WCC in Indonesia.

CORE COMPETENCIES & EXPERTISE

Legal Specializations: Human Rights Law, Criminal Defense, Blasphemy Law, Gender-Based Violence, Forced Conversion, Juvenile Justice.

Advocacy & Lobbying: International Advocacy, Strategic Litigation, Public Speaking, Policy Dialogue, Fact-Finding & Reporting.

Program Leadership: NGO Management, Project Development, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Coordination, Workshop & Seminar Facilitation.

Communications & Media Operations Management: Directed the production and dissemination of official statements and press releases, managing the full lifecycle from collaborative editing and proofing to web formatting and archival.

Stakeholder Engagement: Effective networking and communication with international NGOs, government bodies, parliamentarians, and community leaders, diverse groups, including media lists, and internal staff to ensure timely delivery of critical information.

Event Logistical Support: Provided comprehensive logistical support for media operations during high-level meetings, events, and press opportunities for leadership.

Agile Project Coordination: Demonstrated the ability to pivot priorities rapidly in response to developing situations, consistently meeting strict deadlines.

Team Collaboration: Worked closely with public affairs teams and executive leadership, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment on organizational communication strategies.

EDUCATION

LLB Pakistan College of Law 2003

Master of Arts in English University of the Punjab 2002

Bachelor of Arts University of the Punjab 1999

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

International Society for Human Rights (ISHR/IGFM)

Advocates International / Advocates Asia

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Gebende-Hande Germany.

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