Barrister, Writer, Speaker

Intro

Aarif is a top‑ranked barrister at Doughty Street Chambers with over 17 years’ experience in public international law, international criminal law, arbitration and sanctions. He advises States, companies, victims, NGOs, and international/regional organisations before all major international courts and tribunals, combining technical excellence with strategic insight in global accountability processes. He frequently advises and writes regularly about governance, foreign policy, and peace-building including international mediation.

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Book

Aarif’s first book, ‘A Constitution of the People and How to Achieve It’, was published by Ibidem and Columbia University Press in 2021. Available: Amazon, Blackwell’s, WHSmith, Columbia University Press, Walmart, BAM, Barnes and Noble, among others. Aarif is a frequent media commentator in leading outlets (such as The Times, Guardian, BBC, Politico) and sought-after international speaker.

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Doughty Street International

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Accountability Unit

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Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes

Biography

Aarif is recognised as a leading barrister in international law in Chambers and Partners (2021-Present) and the Legal 500 (2024-Present). Aarif has held leadership positions - as a director, lawyer, or investigator - in private practice, international courts, tribunals, NGOs and international organisations.

Current: Barrister, Doughty Street International; Founder, Accountability Unit; Specialist Counsel, UK Attorney General’s Public International Law Panel; Co-Convener, Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes; Consultant, United Nations; Adviser, Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression; Associate, Manchester International Law Centre; List of Counsel, International Criminal Court, Kosovo Specialist Chambers; UN Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals; Expert, Justice Rapid Response, and ABA Atrocity Crimes Initiative; Trustee, St Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.