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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Commentary & Resources

IN THE NEWS

The Guardian: Canadian police charge three over killing of Sikh activist

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The Hill Times: Redefining the frontlines: the battle for democracy in an era of tran…

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The Guardian: Canadian police charge three over killing of Sikh activist 〰️ The Hill Times: Redefining the frontlines: the battle for democracy in an era of tran… 〰️

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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