Meet the activists

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  • Haider Mehdi

    Haider Mehdi

    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.

  • 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.

Podcast

A Voices in Exile podcast, hosted by Trent Radio, amplifying stories of displacement, resistance, and justice across borders.

Commentary & Resources

Meet the team

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 Nadia Abu-Zahra
Co-Director

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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