The Hague, NL, March 26, 2024— Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) announced that Hichem Khadhraoui was selected as the new Executive Director with Udo Jude Ilo stepping down from his role as Interim Executive Director on May 1, 2024.
Hichem Khadhraoui joins CIVIC after nearly two decades in the field of civilian protection, including as a Senior Field Manager and Head of Protection for Near and Middle East at the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and Director of Programmes and Field Operations at Geneva Call. Hichem Khadhraoui has extensive field experience with a presence in several conflict-affected places including Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad and Yemen.
Hichem Khadhraoui holds two master’s degrees; one in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa and one in International Law and European Law from the University Paul Cezanne in France, underscoring his expertise in international law which is critical to the protection of civilians.
The Board of CIVIC is delighted to welcome Hichem Khadhraoui as our new Executive Director. He brings years of valuable experience to lead CIVIC’s dedicated staff into the future and we look forward to partnering with him. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Udo Ilo for serving as Interim Executive Director during a difficult year in which civilian protection was essential in so many challenging places.” – Susan Osnos, CIVIC’s Board Chair
I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as new the Executive Director of CIVIC. It is a privilege to step into this role and continue the vital work of advocating for a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Udo Jude Ilo in his tenure of acting director for his dedication and leadership during this transitional period. His efforts and those of former Executive Director Federico Borello have laid a strong foundation. I am committed to building upon it to advance our mission and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those caught in the midst of conflict. Together, with the incredible team at CIVIC, I am eager to drive positive change and promote meaningful actions for the protection of civilians worldwide.” – Hichem Khadhraoui, incoming CIVIC’s Executive Director
Hichem Khadhraoui was selected from 89 applicants in a recruitment process co-led by the agency OxfordHR and CIVIC’s board chair, Susan Osnos. The recruitment was sparked by the resignation of the former Executive Director, Federico Borello, in May 2023. During the interim period, CIVIC’S Senior Advocacy Director, Udo Jude Ilo, was appointed Acting Executive Director.
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