VMAGC

Vera Maria Assunto Gomes Cravid

São Tomé-et-Principe

Minister of Justice, Parliamentary Relations and Women's Rights

Biography

Vera Maria Assunção Gomes Cravid is a prominent figure in the legal community of São Tomé and Príncipe. She previously served as Deputy Attorney General and Coordinator of the Family and Juvenile Department at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where she demonstrated an exceptional commitment to justice and human rights. She was also National Director of the Criminal Investigation Police (PIC)—now the Judiciary Police (PJ)—where she led important reforms within the sector. In addition, she played a key role in several legislative reforms, including the Family Code and the Code of Juvenile Guardianship Organisation of São Tomé and Príncipe. Her academic background includes a Law degree and postgraduate studies in Human Rights and Democracy and Educational Guardianship, all obtained from the Faculty of Law at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Law and Sustainable Development at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe (USTP). She has also undertaken a wide range of specialised professional training, reflecting her constant pursuit of excellence. Her areas of specialisation include child and adolescent rights and protection policies, international labour standards, and electoral observation, among others. Beyond her legal career, Vera Cravid has played a significant role in associative and civic activities. She served as President of the Association of Women Jurists of São Tomé and Príncipe, Secretary of the Network of Women Mediators of Central African Countries (REFEMAC), Vice-President of the Association for Electoral Transparency (TELEC), and is a founding member of the Institute for Law and Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe (IDEC). She also contributes her expertise internationally as an independent consultant in electoral observation missions for the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as well as in international criminal investigation missions under ECCAS. In addition, she has contributed to higher education, teaching at both the University of São Tomé and Príncipe (USTP) and the Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe (ULSTP).
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