Michael Wasco

Michael Wasco is a seasoned legal and democratic development professional with more than 20 years of experience across private legal practice, international rule of law, and accountability mechanisms.

Passionate about fostering democracy in transitional nations, Michael advocates for human rights, constitution drafting, electoral processes, and international engagement as fundamental pillars of democracy.

His educational background includes a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights from The Johns Hopkins University, a JD in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a BS in Political Theory Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University.

Michael has held various key positions such as Justice Training Liaison at the U.S. Department of State, International Law and Human Rights Expert, Election Auditor at the United Nations Development Program, Legal Adviser during the Libya Constitution Making Process, and Special Adviser to the US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues.

Additionally, he has served as a Legal Expert at the National Democratic Institute, Head of United Nations Advocacy at The Institute for Inclusive Security, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Supervising Trial Attorney at several US private law firms and corporations.

Throughout his career, Michael has focused on integrating human rights principles into contemporary democracies, advocating for rights' inclusion in constitutions, and supporting grassroots civil society organizations to promote democratic values and achieve societal stability and peace.