About Me
Rabiaa El Garani’s story is a compelling tapestry of dedication, empathy, and resilience. Born in Belgium and residing in Switzerland, her journey from a police detective to a Senior Investigator exemplifies a deep commitment to justice. This journey has taken her across diverse landscapes, from Europe to the Middle East and Africa, facing daunting challenges but always driven by a profound sense of purpose.
Her professional career stands as a beacon of justice. She has skillfully navigated linguistic, cultural, and geographical complexities, dedicating herself to combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Her involvement with the Justice Rapid Response, the Commission of Inquiry on the Central African Republic, the Syrian Commission of Inquiry, and her work with the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict all underscore her deep commitment to the cause of justice.
She brings a unique and compassionate approach to interviewing, a technique that has been instrumental in unearthing crucial information for justice and accountability. Her work in documenting the distinct patterns of atrocities committed by ISIS showcases her exceptional diligence and professional insight.
Currently, Rabiaa serves as a senior investigator for the International Impartial Independent Mechanism for Syria, where she is focused on collecting evidence to facilitate accountability for grave international crimes committed in Syria. This role further highlights her unwavering dedication to her profession.
An area that has caught her interest is internal investigations in the workplace, which entail examining allegations of misconduct, violations of company policies, or other irregularities. Simultaneously, she is passionate about fostering a healthy environment where individuals feel empowered to enhance their skills, freely express themselves, and thrive. These aspects are interconnected, as they collaboratively mitigate micromanagement, toxic work environments, burnout, and mental health issues.
Beyond her professional commitments, she nurtures a rich inner life. Her love for photography and reading emerged as part of her healing process, allowing her to capture the world’s beauty through her lens and lose herself in the magic of words. Her passion for languages and cultures is evident in her travels, where each journey and hike offers a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to learning.
Her hobbies are diverse yet very fulfilling. She believes life is a continuous learning journey, so reading books on personal development, healthy food, mental health, spirituality, and poetry are among her favorite topics. She loves languages and currently speaks four languages, focusing on learning German & Swiss German. Hiking, working out, and visiting spas and wellness centers are essential hobbies for maintaining her well-being. As the saying goes, “We are what we eat,” another hobby she enjoys is cooking healthy meals for herself and her son. Recently, she embarked on an online course to learn to play the hand pan and purchased one for practice. Hand-pan music has been instrumental in her healing journey, providing solace and comfort during challenging times.
Her lifestyle also emphasizes health and wellness, which is evident in her focus on cooking nutritious meals and her commitment to self-care. Moreover, her philanthropic spirit extends beyond her professional duties. Her contributions to aiding earthquake victims in Morocco through food, clothing, and financial support to a Swiss charity underscore her dedication to children’s welfare.
In essence, Rabiaa El Garani is a beacon of hope and professionalism, embodying consistency and commitment in every aspect of her life. Her unique background and experiences have also equipped her with profound insights into cultural awareness and challenges, enhancing her ability to provide support, whether in investigation or trauma healing. Her life story is not just about fulfilling professional duties; it’s a narrative of a person who intertwines compassion, duty, and personal growth into a life that inspires and uplifts.
