As Director of Programs at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), Karen Naimer leads the organization’s global portfolio of programs advancing accountability for grave human rights violations. In this role, she oversees initiatives that strengthen the capacity of medical, law enforcement, and legal professionals to document and preserve forensic evidence of human rights abuses in support of national and international investigations and prosecutions. She also directs PHR’s award-winning technology innovation initiatives and its global medical expert networks and partnerships.
A recognized expert in conflict-related sexual violence and international criminal justice, Naimer founded PHR’s Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones and served as its director for more than a decade. Her work has helped shape international approaches to trauma-informed documentation of sexual violence and the pursuit of justice for survivors. As an outspoken voice on sexual violence and international justice, she is frequently sought out by the media for her expertise on these issues.
Prior to joining PHR, she served in investigative and legal roles addressing mass atrocities and corruption, including as deputy counsel to the Independent Inquiry Committee into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme and as a legal fellow at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. She has also taught public international law at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and held the Edmond J. Safra Faculty Fellowship at Harvard University’s Center for Ethics. Previously, Naimer was an associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York.
Naimer holds a BA from McGill University, an MA in international relations from the University of Toronto, a JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and an LLM in international legal studies from New York University School of Law. She is a Truman National Security Fellow.