Assistant Director, Human Rights Defenders
Berivan Orucoglu is an accomplished journalist, and human rights advocate whose work has had a significant impact both domestically and abroad. With a background in journalism, she is renowned for her insightful writings on U.S.-Turkish relations, good governance, human rights, and press freedoms, which have been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Foreign Policy.
Currently, Orucoglu serves as the Assistant Director of the Human Rights Defenders Program at the McCain Institute, a vital role in which she provides essential transitional assistance to human rights defenders who have been forced to flee their home countries due to threats. Her dedication and commitment to this work have been instrumental in enabling these defenders to continue their crucial advocacy for human rights from a place of safety.
Prior to her relocation to the U.S, Orucoglu held the position of senior Communications Advisor to the American Ambassador in Ankara, Turkey, for three years. In this role, she played a pivotal part in organizing and supporting high-level visits to Turkey, earning commendations from former Vice President Biden, former Secretary of State Kerry, and former Secretary Clinton for her exemplary performance.
As a seasoned international correspondent, she has reported from conflict zones and strategic locations including Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Gulf States, as well as covered EU, NATO, and various international summits while based in Brussels, further highlighting her depth of experience in global affairs.
