Expert on Russia and the CIS countries: Preparation of Expert Witness Reports for Applicants for Asylum from Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan – Appeal to Law Firms

What is an expert report?
As you are likely aware, an expert report is an independent analytical document intended for submission to the court and immigration authorities. Its purpose is to substantiate that the applicant is indeed facing a threat in their home country and cannot safely return there. This report supports the applicant's personal story with objective data, analyzes the situation in the country, and demonstrates the connection between the general situation and the individual's circumstances.

An expert report:

• Confirms the context and overall situation in the country, including political instability, repression, and conflicts, citing both international and local sources.
• Helps substantiate the personal risks to the applicant by demonstrating the link between conditions in the country and the individual threats they face.
• Strengthens the evidentiary base by confirming that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group that is subject to persecution.
• Supports facts with references to authoritative sources such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the UN, and others, formatted according to the OSCOLA standard.

Among my experience and achievements, I would like to highlight the following:

• Over the past two years, I have prepared more than 100 expert reports, which helped applicants successfully obtain asylum.
• I collaborate with 15 leading law firms in the US and the UK.
• In 2024, I was recognized as the winner of the Expert Witness Awards in the category "Best Expert on Immigration and Asylum Matters."
• All my reports comply with the standards of the UK Upper Tribunal and the requirements of the Civil Procedure Code.
• I respond to inquiries within 1 hour and prepare the report within one week.

My specialization

I work with asylum applicants from Russia and post-Soviet countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
My work covers key areas related to human rights violations, including:

• Political repression
• Corruption
• Domestic violence
• Persecution for religious beliefs
• LGBT rights violations
• Military conflicts and mobilization
• Falsified criminal cases
• Expropriation of property

How I create an expert report

Creating an expert report is meticulous work that requires careful attention at every stage. I usually begin by reviewing all the documents provided by the applicant. These may include personal statements, evidence of persecution, interview records, and rejection decisions. My task is to understand which specific facts and evidence need to be strengthened in order to substantiate the applicant's risk as thoroughly as possible.

The next step is to research the situation in the applicant's home country. I use authoritative international and local sources to gather up-to-date information about what is happening in that country, especially in the context of the applicant’s security threats. It is important to show how the overall situation in the country is linked to the applicant's personal story.
Afterward, I prepare the substantiations. Based on the gathered data, I analyze which specific risks threaten the applicant if they return to their country. My conclusions are always backed by references to verified sources to ensure the report is as objective and reliable as possible.

Of course, I place great emphasis on ensuring the reports meet standards. All my reports are strictly regulated and adhere to the guiding principles outlined in the Upper Tribunal's Practice Direction on Expert Evidence. Each report includes a statement of truth, confirming that the presented data is based on reliable sources and that the expressed opinions are my professional judgments.
All my reports comply with established standards. I always verify the accuracy of the facts presented and the correctness of my conclusions. My compensation is not dependent on the outcome of the case, which guarantees the objectivity of my work. Furthermore, if needed, I am prepared to testify in court and provide witness statements about the situation in the applicant's country of origin.

How to order a report?
If your clients require an expert report, please contact me at info@thehuman-rights.com. Reports can be paid for through Legal Aid, making them free for applicants whose cases are supported by government legal assistance. For private requests, flexible payment terms are available.

Conclusion
An expert report is a key tool that can significantly impact the successful outcome of a case. It not only helps to prove the reality of the threat but also increases the applicant's credibility in the eyes of the court and immigration authorities. I am happy to assist you and your clients in achieving justice. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to our future cooperation!