Haider Mehdi, a Pakistani-Canadian political commentator, civic activist, digital broadcaster, former entrepreneur, and former Pakistan Army officer describes a moral and political journey from believing the Pakistan Army was a necessary bulwark to arguing it is responsible for Pakistan’s devastation by placing itself above the constitution, elected governments, and the rule of law.

Arzu Yildiz, a Turkish investigative journalist and editor now living in Canada, shares how her reporting at the intersection of journalism, literature, and advocacy—covering honor killings, corruption, gun trade, and mafia networks—ultimately forced her to flee Turkey in 2016, even as the Turkish judicial system and politics continued to pursue her.

Linh Nguyen, originally from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, recounts her path from believing state-taught narratives to questioning them after gaining uncensored internet access while studying in New Zealand at 17 and discovering a radically different understanding of the Vietnam War through books and research.

Sana, originally from Syria, moved to Vancouver about 20 years ago as a skilled immigrant and former civil engineer, but shifted careers after volunteering and witnessing how confusing and overwhelming Canadian systems—especially education, healthcare, and social services—can be for immigrant and refugee families.

From a Rohingya Refugee Camp to Advocacy in Canada and the ICJ Rahima Kushi, a Rohingya advocate and political science student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, recounts being born and raised in a refugee camp in Bangladesh after her parents fled Myanmar in 1992 and growing up without citizenship, security, or access to formal education.

Ame Khin, a graduate research associate at the York Centre for Asian Research, describes her interdisciplinary research on forced displacement among women from Myanmar resettled in Canada, drawing on intersectionality theory and qualitative feminist methods to examine how care work, cultural memory, and agency shape integration, family dynamics, and belonging across generations.

In this interview, Zimbabwean freelance journalist and human rights activist Ray Mwareya details his ongoing reporting on Southern Africa following his relocation to Canada in 2018. The discussion covers three main areas of his work and experience:

Carmen Rodriguez is a Chilean-Canadian writer, educator, and journalist

Jean Elissaint Saint Vil
Haitian-Canadian social justice activist Jean Elissaint Saint-Vil reflects on a lifetime of political awakening, exile, and resistance.

Kawther Ramadan reflects on a journey shaped by exile, resistance, and a commitment to gender justice that crosses borders.

Step inside the powerful true story of Natalia Botero, an award-winning Colombian photojournalist and human rights activist.

Rosa Hidalgo, originally from Mexico, shares her profound journey as a human rights and environmental activist now residing in Canada.

Meet Jeremias Tecu, a refugee from Guatemala who has transformed his traumatic experiences into a lifelong commitment to defending the rights of refugees and migrant workers.

Step into the inspiring journey of Viviana Santibanez, a dedicated activist, committee leader, and founder of a non-profit charity that supports LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking refugees in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Hooria Sardar, a feminist, educator, and education rights defender from Afghanistan, shares her compelling journey of advocacy and resilience.

From Oppression to Advocacy: An Exiled Ethiopian Journalist's Journey

Vesna Markovic, a former judge from the former Yugoslavia, narrates her remarkable journey from her early days in the judiciary to her impactful global work in conflict resolution.

Yasser Essa is a Sudanese peacebuilder, governance practitioner, and human rights advocate whose life has been shaped by the enduring legacies of conflict, marginalization, and exile — and whose work is dedicated to building just and inclusive societies from the ground up.

Hamed Farmand is an Iranian children’s rights advocate whose work shines a light on one of the most silenced experiences of state violence: the trauma endured by children whose parents are imprisoned.

Empowering Immigrant Women from Margins to Mainstream: Sharon Njobo’s Journey from Zimbabwe to Canada

Maria Corina Muskus Toro, a Venezuelan feminist lawyer, narrates her inspiring journey from Venezuela to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Initially graduating from law school in Venezuela, Maria worked in human rights before pursuing a master's degree in the United States on a scholarship.

Daniela Leal is a Honduran researcher and migration justice advocate—reflects on the cultural normalization of migration, the structural challenges driving people to leave, and the hope she finds in community-based research.

Doaa Mustafa, a seasoned Egyptian lawyer and human rights advocate, has spent over a decade documenting human rights abuses and advocating for vulnerable groups. Her journey into human rights activism began tragically, spurred by the disappearance and death of a friend during the Egyptian revolution.

Matida Daffeh, a feminist activist in exile from The Gambia, West Africa, has devoted her life to advancing women’s human rights. With a focus on sexual and reproductive health and the political representation of women, Matida’s activism is deeply rooted in her lived experience and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Nina Potarska is an exceptional human rights activist who has been forced to live in exile in Canada. Nina has faced considerable challenges that compelled her to leave her homeland of Ukraine. Despite these struggles, she remains a fervent advocate for human rights and social justice.

Diary Marif: Activist, Exile, and Advocate for Kurdish Rights Meet Diary Marif, an activist in exile from Iraqi Kurdistan, now residing in Vancouver, Canada. Born during the Iran-Iraq war, Diary grew up amid conflict and witnessed the devastating effects of the Anfal Genocide and chemical attacks on Halabja.

Muzna Duried, a former Syrian refugee and current Advocacy and Partnership Manager at Noble Women’s Initiative, shares her extraordinary journey from war-torn Syria to a safe haven in Canada. Muzna provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing conflict in Syria, emphasizing that despite the lack of media coverage, the situation remains dire with ongoing bombings by Russia and the Syrian regime, and the presence of various militias.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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'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.

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'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 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 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.

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, 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.

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 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 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'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'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, 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, 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.

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, 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, 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, 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 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.