Meet Our Experts: The Independent Advisory Panel

The World Coalition’s Independent Advisory Panel, established
under the EU’s FFPA, is a group of expert meant to enhance transparency and fairness in funding third-party organizations engaged in abolitionist work around the world.

Conscious of the need to uphold balance of powers, transparency, and equitable distribution of resources, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has set up an Independent Advisory Panel to oversee the reallocation of resources.

This independent expert mechanisms is part of the commitments set out in the Financial Frameworks Partnership Agreement (FFPA) signed with the European Union, through which the Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition provides financial support to third parties (FSTP) working toward the abolition.  

Its missions:  

The Independent Advisory Panel is responsible for:  

• Assessing all regranting proposals submitted under the FSTP. Applications are reviewed by a pair of experts before they meet in assembly to discuss proposals and share recommendations.

• Providing expert, independent opinions on each proposal, taking into account the strategic objectives of the FFPA, the regional contexts of activities and projects, and the potential risks associated with funding. 

• Reviewing projects funded annually to assess effectiveness and advise the Consortium Board. 

• Making recommendations on the final activities and budget of the third grant cycle.  

Its composition:  

The Independent Advisory Panel is composed of 10 experts in grant making and/or death penalty abolition and 2 reserve members who may step in if needed. 

This role is a volunteer position. Experts serve in their personal capacity and are independent from the World Coalition and its members. 

Panel members are appointed for two‑year terms. To ensure continuity, one‑third of the members may be invited to serve a second term. 

To reflect the global nature of the abolitionist movement, the Panel is designed to be geographically diverse and gender-balanced. It must be made off:  

• At least 6 members from civil society, academia, or a legal profession, who are not government-employed 

• At least 5 members who self-identify as part of the abolitionist movement with demonstrated experience working against the death penalty   

• At least 4 members based in retentionist or abolitionist in practice countries  

• At least 5 members from Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and/or SWANA 

• At least 1 member who is directly impacted by the death penalty (as an exoneree, family member of someone who has been or is on death row, a murder victim’s family member, etc.)  

Know More About the Selection Process 

Members of the Panel were selected by a subcommittee composed of members of the Steering Committee of the World Coalition who are not part of the Consortium, after a call for nominations. 

The subcommittee evaluated the applications based on objective criteria, including:  

• Experience in grant-making and technical assistance. 

• Expertise in campaigning, research, or advocacy against the death penalty. 

• Experience working with civil society organizations. 

The list of selected experts was then submitted to the Steering Committee for approval. 

Panel members are elected for a two year mandate, renewable once for a total of 4 years. Following the WCADP internal procedures, the panel members must disclose their conflict of interest before starting their mandate.  

The Members of the Independent Advisory Panel:  

2026-2028: