Gina Maharaj is an Attorney-at-Law and humanitarian professional with over eight years of experience in international human rights, refugee protection and human rights advocacy. She has worked with international organizations, civil society, and both the public and private sectors, where she has developed a strong track record in legal analysis, stakeholder engagement and humanitarian response.

Gina most recently served as a Legal Associate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Trinidad and Tobago, where she provided legal guidance and humanitarian support for people in need of international protection. In this role, she contributed to high-impact legal interventions and ongoing advocacy initiatives for the advancement of refugee rights.

Her experience includes extensive engagement with government agencies, international partners, and civil society stakeholders. She has chaired national coordination platforms such as the Protection Working Group (PWG) and has represented people in need of international protection before immigration tribunals and courts. Gina has also led and facilitated large-scale training initiatives, equipping over 2,000 government officials with knowledge on international refugee protection and related legal standards.

Prior to her work with UNHCR, Gina held senior legal roles at Living Water Community, where she provided legal and humanitarian counselling, particularly for migrants and refugees in detention. She has also contributed to emergency response efforts and organizational management, including supporting humanitarian operations during periods of increased migrant inflows and assisting with institutional transitions.

Gina holds a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School, an LL.M. in Public International Law from the University of Kent, and an LL.B. from the University of the West Indies and continues to work with organizations to advance human rights in the region.