Meet the activists

  • Samuel Kisitu

    Samuel Kisitu

    Meet Samuel Kisitu, an activist in exile from Uganda. Born after the Bush War that brought Museveni to power, Samuel's family history is intertwined with Uganda's political struggles. From his grandfather's support for Museveni to his own activism against the regime, Samuel's story is one of resilience and a quest for justice. Watch as he recounts his journey from Uganda to Canada in search of freedom and highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy.

  • Paul Tran Minh Nhat

    Paul Tran Minh Nhat

    Paul Trần Minh Nhật is a Vietnamese journalist and human rights activist renowned for his unwavering commitment to religious freedom and freedom of expression in Vietnam. As a Catholic and former reporter for Vietnam Redemptorist News, he has extensively covered human rights violations and advocated for democratic reforms.

  • Soe Wuttye Htoo

    Soe Wuttye Htoo

    Join Soe, a former diplomat from Myanmar, as she recounts her remarkable journey from governmental service to fierce activism. Born and raised in Myanmar, Soe is a former second secretary at the Myanmar Embassy in Ottawa, Canada.

  • Chinnaiah Jangam

    Chinnaiah Jangam

    Discover the groundbreaking work of Chinnaiah Jangam, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Carleton University. Born in Telangana, India, Chinnaiah's journey from a first-generation educated Dalit to a leading academic in North America reflects the transformative power of education and resilience. His work focuses on the social and intellectual history of Dalits, also known as "untouchables," in India, highlighting their crucial role in the making of modern India.


  • Diklat Georgees

    Diklat Georgees

    Meet Diklat Georgees, an Assyrian Canadian who has dedicated her life to preserving the cultural heritage of her people and advocating for their rights. Born in Mosul, Iraq, Diklat immigrated to Canada in 1989 and now serves as the president of the Assyrian Aid Society of Canada, a volunteer-based organization focused on cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts.

  • Aziz Baloch

    Aziz Baloch

    Join us in exploring the extraordinary life and work of Aziz Baloch, a dedicated human rights activist and coordinator for International Voices for Missing Persons in Canada. Aziz's journey from Balochistan to Canada is marked by his relentless advocacy for human rights, social justice, and self-determination for the Baloch people.

  • Caroline Goodie Tshabalala Mogadime

    Caroline Goodie Tshabalala Mogadime

    Discover the inspiring journey of Caroline Goodie Tshabalala Mogadime, a pioneering South African Canadian activist and educator whose life and work significantly impacted both the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. Born in the early 1930s, Goodie emerged as a radiant personality and a leader in educational vision. Her daughter, Professor Dolana Mogadime, shares the remarkable story of her mother's contributions to truth-telling, education, and children's rights.

  • Mimi Lee

    Mimi Lee

    Mimi Lee provides a detailed look at the effects of CCP policies on Hong Kong, including restrictions on free expression, and discusses her activism efforts in Canada. Highlighting events like the NBA protest and the “Lunch With You” rally, she explores how local and global resistance movements arise from Hong Kong’s political changes.

  • Marsha Hinds Myrie

    Marsha Hinds Myrie

    Dr. Marsha Hinds Myrie is a prominent advocate against gender-based violence, with a focus that spans from Barbados to the global Caribbean community, including those who have resettled in countries like Canada. Her activism is deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences of childhood sexual abuse, and academically reinforced through her position as an Activist in Residence at the University of Guelph.

  • Eucharia Uranta-Okonkwo

    Eucharia Uranta-Okonkwo

    Eucharia Uranta-Okonkwo is a dedicated advocate for women's and children's rights with over 12 years of experience, including leadership roles with international organizations and working at the United Nations. As a gender specialist, she has worked tirelessly to protect the rights of women and children in Nigeria, a country facing numerous socio-economic and political challenges that disproportionately affect these vulnerable groups.

  • Farhad Rezaei

    Farhad Rezaei

    Farhad Rezaei is a senior fellow at the Philos Project in New York, with a rich background in analyzing and critiquing Iran's political landscape. Originally from the Kurdish region of Iran, Farhad has dedicated much of his professional life to understanding and exposing the intricacies of Iran's foreign policy, defense strategies, nuclear and missile programs, and the state's involvement in proxy wars and human rights violations.

  • Maria Kartasheva

    Maria Kartasheva

    Maria Kartasheva is a Russian anti-war activist who relocated to Canada in 2019 with her husband, driven by the increasing totalitarianism in Russia. A key moment in her decision to leave was Russia's decriminalization of first-time domestic abuse, which personally resonated with her due to her history with abusive family members.

  • Mulugeta Tedla

    Mulugeta Tedla

    Muguleta Tedla is a Tigrayan-Canadian activist and academic, chairing the Association of Tigrean Communities in Canada (ATCC). His activism is deeply personal, having been a political prisoner in Ethiopia during the Derg regime, which led to his refugee status and eventual resettlement in Canada through the World University Service of Canada. At the University of Windsor, he pursued a master's degree in mathematics.

  • Shabnam Salehi

    Shabnam Salehi

    Shabnam Salehi's dedication to women's rights and gender equality has led to remarkable achievements in academia, leadership, legal reform, and activism. Her myriad contributions in Afghanistan and internationally make her a vital figure in the ongoing movement for women's empowerment and human rights.

  • Olha Chernovol

    Olha Chernovol

    Dr. Olha Chernovol's significant contributions to law, particularly in anti-corruption policies, demonstrate her expertise and dedication to her field. Now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa, she continues to impact the legal community through her research and her commitment to sharing her findings.

  • Khaled Abdulwahed

    Khaled Abdulwahed

    Khaled Abdulwahed's activism has focused on bringing global attention to the Syrian conflict and supporting refugees in Canada. He exemplifies resilience and determination in his ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and community for Syrians both at home and abroad.

  • Chloe Seongeun Kim

    Chloe Seongeun Kim

    Chloe Seongeun Kim is a South Korean trans rights activist and student specializing in Feminist and Gender Studies. Facing challenges in her home country, she found inspiration and support abroad, and now resides in Ottawa, Canada, where she continues to work for LGBTQ rights and inclusivity.

  • Luis Horacio Nájera

    Luis Horacio Nájera

    Luis Horacio Najera is a courageous journalist from Mexico, now living in exile in Canada. Throughout his career, he has engaged in investigative reporting on sensitive issues like government corruption, drug, and human trafficking, which led to him receiving several awards. After facing threats, he sought asylum in Canada, where he continued his academic pursuits and remains an influential voice on crime and press freedom.

  • President Ivonka Joanna Survilla

    President Ivonka Joanna Survilla

    Ivonka Survilla is a Belarusian activist, translator, and the President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, the world's oldest government in exile. Her journey includes fleeing the USSR, founding the Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims, leading Health Canada's Translation Services department, and a steadfast commitment to democracy and humanitarian efforts in Belarus.

  • Sheng Xue

    Sheng Xue

    Sheng Xue, a Beijing native now based in Canada, has become a prominent figure in journalism, human rights advocacy, and the pro-democracy movement. Her influential works and leadership in various organizations demonstrate a lifelong commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and equality.

  • Kawkab Alwadeai

    Kawkab Alwadeai

    Dr. Kawkab Alwadeai is a prominent Yemeni mental health expert and human rights advocate specializing in gender justice and peacebuilding. Through her organization, Bridges to Peace and Solidarity, and various collaborations, she addresses the critical need for psychoeducational training and support for war-related trauma survivors, contributing significantly to mental health and human rights initiatives in Yemen and other communities in crisis.

  • Victor Amisi Sulubika

    Victor Amisi Sulubika

    Victor Amisi Sulubika has been a resolute advocate for human rights and peace, focusing on the plight of child soldiers and global disarmament. His journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Canada, his continuous commitment to his cause, and his inspiring work through Vision GRAM-International and other organizations exemplify resilience and impactful advocacy.

  • Fahima Hashim

    Fahima Hashim

    Fahima Hashim is a prominent Sudanese feminist activist who co-founded the Salmmah Women’s Resource Centre, championed women’s rights, and faced governmental suppression. Now living in Canada, she continues her advocacy, research, and mentorship, significantly impacting feminist causes and women's rights in the MENA region and beyond.

  • Y-S Columbus Leo 羅益世

    Y-S Columbus Leo 羅益世

    Y-S Columbus Leo's dedication to democracy and independence for Taiwan led him to risk personal safety, resulting in his arrest and international outcry. His courage and commitment inspired others and set a legal precedent, decriminalizing the advocacy for Taiwan's independence.

  • Tsering Norzom Thonsur

    Tsering Norzom Thonsur

    Tsering Norzom Thonsur's lifelong commitment to Tibetan rights and social work reflects her profound connection to her heritage and her desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees and new immigrants. Through protests, activism, and her professional role, she strives to shed light on the Tibetan plight and provide valuable support to those in need.

  • Mehmet Tohti

    Mehmet Tohti

    Mehmet Tohti, an influential Uyghur Canadian activist, has tirelessly worked to promote awareness and intervention regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China. Through his activism, teaching, and leadership roles, he has successfully lobbied for significant political actions in Canada, including the recognition of genocide and the resettlement of 10,000 Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.

  • Ali Mirzad

    Ali Mirzad

    Ali Mirzad, born in Afghanistan and raised in Canada, has consistently advocated for the Hazara people, promoting awareness of their plight through writing, protests, and political engagement. Currently volunteering at the Canadian Hazara Humanitarian Services, Ali continues to provide hope and support to his community.

  • Lais de Souza

    Lais de Souza

    Laís de Souza, a journalist and activist from Brazil, focuses on the rights and recognition of black women in Brazilian politics. After witnessing inequality firsthand at a young age, she began volunteering and later campaigned for women's rights, supporting prominent figures and raising awareness of the legacy of Marielle Franco.

  • Säye Skye

    Säye Skye

    Säye Skye, a transgender Iranian rap artist based in Toronto, uses music to challenge stereotypes and promote LGBTQ rights, even in the face of threats and violence. Having left Iran due to threats, he continues his work as an artist and activist, most recently producing a soundtrack for a movie.

  • Yasmin Ullah

    Yasmin Ullah

    Yasmin, born in Myanmar and later resettled in Canada, has become a prominent activist for the Rohingya, organizing protests and engaging in projects that raise awareness. Her work has been instrumental in the Canadian government's recognition of Myanmar's military crackdown as a genocide.

  • Neven Melek

    Neven Melek

    Neven Melek, an Egyptian lawyer and activist, championed peaceful protest in Egypt. After fleeing in 2013, she continues to advocate for human rights on international platforms.

  • Rehana Hashmi

    Rehana Hashmi

    Rehana Hashmi founded Sisters Trust to aid exiled women defenders in Canada. After fleeing threats in Pakistan, she established the organization and influenced Canadian immigration policy to recognize Human Rights Defenders as a priority.

Commentary & Resources

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Meet the team

Professor Nadia Abu-Zahra
Co-Director

Professor John Packer
Co-Director

Professor John Packer is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) at the University of Ottawa. He was appointed the Inaugural Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution in April 2018.

See Prof Packer’s full profile page here.

Professor Abu-Zahra is an Associate Professor in the School of International Development and Global Studies at the University of Ottawa, and a member of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre. Prof Abu-Zahra is the Joint Chair in Women's Studies at Carlton University and University of Ottawa.

See Prof Abu-Zahra’s full profile page here.

Dr. Philip Leech-Ngo
Coordinator

Philip Leech-Ngo is a skilled researcher, analyst and communicator with more than ten years of experience as a consultant and academic with a focus on international affairs.

See Dr. Philip Leech-Ngo’s full profile page here.

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