Meet the activists

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Commentary & Resources

IN THE NEWS

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…

〰️

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.

Our partners