Center for Legal Aid "Voice in Bulgaria"
“Center for Legal Aid – Voice in Bulgaria” (CLA) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in the public interest and focused on promoting the rights of migrants and refugees on the territory of Bulgaria, as well as other vulnerable groups of people, through legal aid and policy advocacy. Committed to the belief that all people deserve justice, effective representation, and the realization of their rights, the aim of CLA is to be a voice in society for all who have no voice, promoting justice and truth, with mercy and compassion.
The CLA advocates for the rights of migrants, promotes progressive legislative reform, and raises public awareness about issues of immigration and integration in Bulgaria. Our vision is to achieve the legal and social recognition and protection of the fundamental human rights of some of the most vulnerable people in Bulgaria.
TEAM
DIANA DASKALOVA
Head Attorney and Founder of Center for Legal Aid – Voice in Bulgaria
daskalova.diana@gmail.com
Diana Daskalova is the head attorney and founder of the “Center for Legal Aid – Voice in Bulgaria”. At the CLA Ms. Daskalova is actively engaged in counseling, litigation and representation of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants in front of administrative authorities and courts on the territory of Bulgaria and Europe on issues concerning imposed administrative measures, detention, due process in refugee procedures, legal status determination of foreigners, etc.
Ms. Daskalova’s current engagement is preceded by year and a half practice as the head lawyer for the Legal Clinic for Refugees and Immigrants towards the Law Faculty of the National University in Sofia, Bulgaria. Workload at the Legal Clinic has combined both theoretical and practical training of students in refugee and migration law and free legal aid to asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants in Bulgaria.
Following her graduation from the law faculty, Ms. Daskalova has had four years of experience as a lawyer and human rights activist in Bulgaria and 2 years Master Program studies in International Law in South Korea. Her practical involvement in work with minority groups has included short-term assistance of local human rights organizations in Pakistan in 2006 and at the Thai-Burma border area in 2007.
RADOSTINA PAVLOVA
Legal expert, member of the Governing Council
radostinapav@gmail.com
Radostina joined the Center for Legal Aid in April 2014. She holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Toronto, as well as Master’s degrees in immigration and settlement studies, and political science/Russian and East European studies. Radostina has previously worked as policy analyst and program advisor at the Canadian federal department for citizenship and immigration. She also has experience providing legal advice and services at community-based legal clinics in Toronto, Canada, in the areas of refugee and immigration law and injured workers compensation.
BORISLAV DIMITROV
Legal assistant, member of the Governing Council
borislav_sp@abv.bg
Borislav is studying Law in the Law Faculty of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and is graduating in the end of 2013. He has been a legal assistant in Center for Legal Aid "Voice in Bulgaria" since August 2012. Borislav has practical experience in providing legal consultations to refugees and asylum seekers, co-operation in the ongoing communication with the administrative bodies, conducting court procedures, verifications and preparation of written documents in effective representation of clients of the foundation in court proceedings. Mr. Dimitrov has theoretical experience in the field of the Bulgarian legislation as well as the European and the International legislation concerning human rights protection.
