Lydia de Leeuw specialises in issues around access to remedy for corporate-related human rights abuses, through the use of non-judicial grievance mechanisms. She also researches the activities of multinational corporations in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

Before joining SOMO in 2015, Lydia conducted research and advocacy for a variety of human rights organisations in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. She also carried out research for a South African NGO into corporate involvement in the apartheid regime.

Lydia holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminology from VU University in Amsterdam. In 2015, she was awarded an LL.M. in International Crime and Justice from the University of Turin and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, where she focused on international crimes and state-corporate crime.