Approach

Participatory engagement.

I advise governments and international organisations on organised violence, youth protection and restorative justice. My consultancy translates research into policy and programmes on recruitment prevention, disengagement and reintegration.

I design participatory processes that bring the knowledge and perspectives of children and teenagers into research, policy and programme design, including demobilised and disengaged young people, young people in the justice system, active gang members and others who are difficult for institutions to reach.

I have also facilitated processes that bring former combatants and communities into dialogue, using narrative methods to support recognition, understanding and reintegration.

Selected reports

3 entries

2026
Commissioned report

Prevención del reclutamiento en entornos digitales

Captación digital, prácticas prometedoras y un mecanismo de reporte y respuesta

Save the Children Colombia · Mathew Charles

Defines digital captación, connects platform activity with social and territorial conditions, reviews promising practice and proposes a national reporting and response mechanism.

2026
Commissioned report

Paz Urbana y Juventud

Models for the Social Inclusion of Adolescents and Youth Disengaged from Organised Criminal Groups

UNICEF Colombia · Mathew Charles

Analyses six interventions in Colombia and Latin America, identifying practices and policy recommendations for identity transformation, psychosocial support, economic opportunity, legal protection and community recognition.

2024
Commissioned report

The Prison System in Ecuador

History and Challenges of an Epicenter of Crime

InSight Crime · Bargent, Noroña & Charles

Based on more than 110 interviews across Ecuador, the report traces how institutional neglect, corruption and failed reform transformed prisons into a centre of organised crime and criminal governance.

Selected clients

UNICEF
Save the Children
COE-DATCentre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism
Presidency of Colombia
Office of the High Commissioner for Peace
ARN
MINCULTURAS