Tilman Papesch holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratization from Mahidol University (Thailand) and Ateneo Law School (Philippines). Prior to his master studies, he graduated from the Federal University of Applied Administrative Sciences, Criminal Investigation Department with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Investigation Service at the Federal Criminal Police Office. Amidst these programs he was employed as a government official for the German Federal Government. Tilman gained further experience in the field of counter-trafficking of refugees in Bangkok as well as refugee support in Calais and Wiesbaden. During his Mercator fellowship, he is focusing on inter-organizational cooperation of local NGOs and international organizations to enhance the protection of human rights defenders in Latin America.