Operations meet Advocacy

Conflict zones pose unprecedented challenges

Conflict Rescue was founded by an experienced and dedicated team with deep experience in federal public advocacy and humanitarian relief operations. Our founders have worked in multiple conflict zones around the world and developed firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges faced by NGOs and civilians in volatile regions. This experience has equipped us with an understanding of the intricacies involved in humanitarian assistance and rescues and the critical importance of leveraging the right technology, tools, and systems to support operations groups, NGOs, and government agencies effectively.

Our team recognized a significant gap between on the ground operations and policy which can hinder timely and effective rescue efforts. We are motivated by the urgent need to bridge this divide to save lives. In 2024, the founding team established Conflict Rescue to integrate advanced technology solutions with comprehensive policy advocacy to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue operations ensuring the safety of civilians in conflict zones.

Core Values

Innovation
Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and real-time data to enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations and support systems in conflict zones.
Advocacy
Actively raising awareness and influencing policy to facilitate the protection and reunification of families affected by global conflicts.
Collaboration
Partnering with governmental, international, and community organizations to streamline processes and provide comprehensive support to those in need.
Compassion
Providing emotional, legal, and logistical assistance to families, ensuring a humane and empathetic approach to aid and protection in conflict zones.
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards in all operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in our mission to rescue and support those in peril.

The Founders

  • Alicia Nieves

    Alicia Nieves

    Alicia Nieves is an expert in humanitarian law. She co-founded the Gaza Family Project with the Arab American Civil Rights League to assist in the reunification of American citizens and their family members trapped in Gaza during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War. She also coordinated the pro bono representation in the US of dozens of Afghan allies following the 2021 withdrawal of US presence in Afghanistan. Alicia brings a wealth of experience in legal advocacy and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, driving Conflict Rescue’s mission to provide critical support in conflict zones.

  • Austin Higgins

    Austin Higgins

    Austin Higgins is an expert in conflict zone analytics, technology innovation and global risk. He served as a data advisor to the Gaza Family Project with the Arab American Civil Rights League to aid in the rescue and reunification of American citizens and their families trapped in Gaza. Austin is a United States Air Force (USAF) linguistics veteran and helps NGOs understand conflict zone atmospherics to improve operational outcomes. Austin’s extensive background in conflict zone analysis, experience in multiple conflict zones in the Levant Region and risk assessment equips Conflict Rescue with the analytical tools necessary to navigate the complexities of global conflicts and enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations.

Advisors

  • Scott Richards

    Scott Richards

    Scott Richards is a leading expert in political and national security advising, with a career spanning over two decades. He began his career as a political advisor in Australia in 1998, later transitioning to the security sector in 2008. Scott has collaborated with retired U.S. Tier One Special Operations and has held pivotal roles such as Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance on Anti-Corruption and special liaison for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He has tackled high-profile criminal cases including gold fraud in Africa, disappearances in Mexico, and hostage negotiations in the Ukraine War and with the Taliban. Scott's extensive experience and expertise have made him a trusted advisor to numerous governments on national security issues across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America.