Gina Romero, has been engage for over 20 years in the promotion and defence of human rights, governance, civic space, and civic and political participation, specially focused in marginalized groups, gender and youth. She is expert in dialogue, mediation and building and managing networks. Prior to her appointment, as Special Rapporteur Ms. Romero led several initiatives for the promotion and defense of democracy and rule of law. Ms. Romero has a degree in Government and International Relations from Externado University in Colombia, and a Masters Diploma in Analysis of contemporary political, economic and international affairs from the Institut des Hautes Études d'Amérique Latine -IHEAL (Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3) and Externado University.