Biography

Ms. Vélez is the UNHCR Representative to Cyprus. With more than 20 years of experience across the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, she has led humanitarian and policy efforts to strengthen protection, asylum, and inclusion for refugees and stateless people. She has worked closely with governments, civil society, and international partners during both major emergencies and periods of reform. Her career spans frontline operations, organizational leadership, and strategic engagement in complex environments. Trained in political science, law, and international human rights law, she leads teams and brings people together to find practical solutions and keeps the experiences of displaced and stateless people at the center of her work.

Fields of expertise