The ArMA Alumni Association
The network of alumni of the Arab Master’s in Democracy and Human Rights
A Brief Intro
The ArMA Alumni Association brings together graduates of the Arab Master’s in Human Rights and Democratization programme to foster collaboration, career support, and networking. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, experiences, and opportunities, offering activities such as webinars, mentorship, and research initiatives.
By connecting alumni with each other and current students, the association creates a supportive community where members can publish their work, engage in meaningful dialogue on human rights issues, and continue learning. With a focus on collective growth, the association aims to inspire and empower alumni to make lasting impacts in their careers and beyond.
Palestine Dialogues
Palestine Dialogues is a dynamic, participatory event series designed to shed light on the daily and systemic challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank in their pursuit of justice and fundamental human rights.
Participants engage with first-hand testimonies, legal analysis, and advocacy strategies through four interconnected sessions. This series deepens understanding and equips attendees with the tools to take meaningful action — fostering global collaboration, solidarity, and accountability.
The ArMA Alumni Substack
The ArMA Alumni Substack is a dedicated platform where alumni share their stories, highlight their human rights projects, and amplify diverse voices within our community.
Through personal narratives, research insights, and field experiences, this initiative offers a glimpse into the impactful work of our alumni.
Our Vision for the Future
The ArMA Alumni Association envisions a strong, interconnected community dedicated to advancing human rights, democracy, and justice in the region and beyond.
By improving our communication strategy, serving as a resource for future students during their mobility semester, and strengthening connections with ArMA alumni and other regional alumni associations, we aim to build a more engaged, supportive, and impactful network.
Connect With Us
Team Members
Kai Wangle
Kai Wangle is a teacher and human rights researcher from the Czech Republic. Kai is an alumnus of ArMA’s class of 2023 and also holds a bachelor in international relations and diplomacy from the University of Economics in Prague.
Kai embraced his passion for human rights and environmental justice in 2015 when working with refugees in Greece and the Czech Republic and since graduating from USJ has continued his advocacy through research and policybuilding. His research examines the nexus between climate change, conflict and migration and how international human rights mechanisms can be utilized in regions with poor governance to promote the rights of marginalized communities and strive for environmental justice.
Kialoha Lappe
Kialoha Lappe is a human rights defender and researcher from Germany. She holds a BA in History and Culture of the SWANA region and Islamic Studies and an MA in Human Rights and Democracy. She is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.
Her research focuses on social media, Indigenous standpoint theory, transitional justice efforts, and the documentation and monitoring of human rights developments, including Oral History. She challenges Eurocentric narratives to advocate for a more global and inclusive historical perspective.
Passionate about disability rights, bio-, and neurodiversity, Kia strives to raise awareness of (neuro-)inclusivity and contribute to a more just and equitable world by encouraging society to embrace natural differences and question social stigma.
Areen Eideh
Areen Eideh is an advocate for human rights, holding a BA in Law and an MA in Human Rights and Democracy. Her expertise includes project management, development, human rights, the rule of law, and gender issues. Areen has played a key role in various projects and initiatives focused on promoting gender justice, combating violence against women, and empowering youth in Palestine and the MENA region. Her work has included collaborating with national beneficiaries, stakeholders, and donors, where she has effectively managed projects and fostered strong relationships with implementing partners. She is passionate about defending human rights issues and striving towards a world free from discrimination, where everyone enjoys full freedom and equality.
Rana Alsheikh Ali
Rana Alsheikh Ali is a Syrian Human Rights Activist and Researcher and a Peace-builder. She is a Co- Founder and CEO for Daret Salam (Peace Circuit), a feminist initiative that works at the intersection of peacebuilding and technology.
Rana holds a Master’s degree in Human rights and Democracy from Saint Joseph University – Beirut. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in law and a High Diploma in Project Management, both from Damascus University and a High Diploma in International Affairs and Diplomatic Studies.
Rana has a wide experience in a diverse range of topics related to the rights of marginalized groups, women’s rights and gender issues in the MENA region. In addition to her work, she served as a volunteer with different international agencies and Syrian non-governmental organizations. She is an alumna of the Leadership of Democracy fellowship program in 2017. Now, Rana is seeking admission to pursue a PhD in motherhood narrative, memory and conflict.
Layla Nukairy
Layla Nukairy holds a degree in Economics from Damascus University and a Master’s in Democracy and Human Rights from Saint Joseph University, Beirut. Her work focuses on Syria and Lebanon, with a strong emphasis on research and advocacy in women’s rights, children’s rights, and ethical journalism. Layla has actively contributed to initiatives that promote women’s economic, political, and social empowerment. As a fellow with Every Woman Treaty, she advocates for the adoption of a protocol to protect women from violence, complementing CEDAW. Her research includes studies on children’s school enrollment, digital protection and autonomy, and youth workforce development in Tripoli.
Ghady Zaayter
Ghady Zaayter holds an MA in Democracy and Human Rights from Saint Joseph University in Beirut and a BA in Law from the Lebanese University. Her Master’s degree dissertation explored the importance of the right to information (RTI) as a tool for protecting human rights in Tunisia. Ghady’s work currently focuses on monitoring and researching human rights violations in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region, including statelessness, gender equality issues, and violations of children’s rights. Additionally, Ghady has led meetings and cultivated relationships with diplomats and special rapporteurs at the UN Human Rights Council’s headquarters in Geneva, as well as human rights activists and civil society organisations.
Zainab Nasser
Zainab Nasser is a Palestinian lawyer and project coordinator assistant and women’s rights activist. Zainab holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Democracy from the University of St Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon and a bachelor of law from Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Palestine. Zainab has worked as a lawyer and project coordinator assistant promoting local, regional and international human rights with a specialization in women’s rights and gender mainstreaming.