Welcome to our new team member
News from the ERGO Network Secretariat: Georgios Tsiakalos, the Project Coordinator for Jekhipe, has joined the team.
Within the ERGO Secretariat, Georgios has the following responsibilities:
- Coordination of the Jekhipe project
- Work on anti-discrimination and antigypsyism files
- Coordination of transitional justice initiatives
Read more about Georgios in his own words:
I am an Attorney at Law specialising in Strategic Litigation for Human Rights and an experienced project manager. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, an LL.B. in European Law, and an LL.M. in Forensics, Criminology, and Law from the University of Maastricht. Additionally, I earned an MSc in Modern Medical Practices with a focus on bioethics, medical research, and legal regulation from the School of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
My legal career began in 2013 with a focus on criminal defence, where I quickly discovered my true calling: seeking redress for human rights abuses for those most in need. This passion led me to concentrate on Human Rights Law, dedicating my practice to strategic litigation and legal advocacy, particularly for the Roma community.
My career path was significantly shaped by my role as a legal expert for the EU/CoE Joint Programs JUSTROM (Access to Justice for Roma Women) since 2016. Leading legal clinics, I handled thousands of legal issues and became deeply acquainted with systemic injustices and gross manifestations of antigypsyism.
Since 2023, I have had the honour of serving as the National Coordinator in Greece for the Council of Europe in the Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe – EQUIROM (Equality and Freedom from Discrimination for Roma). Additionally, I have been selected as an international expert/consultant for various departments of the Council of Europe, including the Council of Europe Office in Georgia, the Horizontal Facility II & III, the Justice Sector Reform, CEPEJ, and the Elections and Participatory Democracy Division.
I have extensive experience as a trial lawyer and in Strategic Litigation for the defence of the Human Rights of Roma, focusing on addressing forced evictions, environmental racism, and law enforcement abuse. Notably, in 2022, alongside dedicated colleagues, I founded the non-profit alliance of human rights lawyers, Pro Bono Publico, aimed at litigation to generate significant societal impact for the most marginalized.
I have provided my services as an independent expert to the Greek National Roma Contact Point and the Fundamental Rights Agency under the EEA/Norway Grants Task Force on Roma Inclusion and Empowerment. I also served as the Trainings Coordinator for the Roma Platform 2020 in Greece.
My project management experience includes several initiatives funded by the Open Society Foundations, leading program planning and advocacy efforts for grassroots organizations, notably the Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos. Here, I designed and managed significant projects like the Environmental and Climate Justice Network—ENVIROM, which influenced larger organizations such as UNICEF and social entrepreneurship ventures like the non-profit Romani women-led Romani cuisine restaurant Amalin. I also achieved the association’s recognition as a US Public Charity equivalent.
In addition to these roles, I have served as the National Coordinator for the Roma Civil Monitor for Greece and Cyprus and as Project Coordinator of the Council of Europe’s Roma Political Schools for three consecutive years.
I am honoured to take on the role of Project Coordinator for JEKHIPE, where I can utilize my skills and experience in both project management and the pursuit of justice. I see JEKHIPE as a vital counterweight to the gross and historical injustices the Roma community continues to face.
I am eager to contribute to the ERGO Network’s impactful work, ensuring the Roma community receives the respect, empowerment, and opportunities it deserves.
In my free time, I enjoy long drives, reading books, watching quality series, and cooking.